November 19, 2021 | Vol. XLIII No. 47

Signal Tribune Your Weekly Community Newspaper

VOL. XLIII NO. 47

West Long Beach gets ten new utility box murals along Santa Fe Corridor see page 7

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

Friday, November 19, 2021 VACCINE

VACCINE

All adults now eligible for COVID-19 booster, encouraged to get vaccines and boosters to prevent possible winter surge Staff Report iS n g al rT ibune

Long Beach’s Health Department is currently offering COVID-19 vaccine boosters to people 18 years and older in order to prevent a possible winter surge.

“The vaccine remains our absolute best defense against a possible COVID-19 surge over the winter,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement.

“Now that all adults are able to receive a booster when their vaccine-timing makes them eligible, everyone must be vigilant and ready to get it. Our city stands ready to meet the demand with clinics open six days a week across Long Beach.”

The Health Department has observed a 22.5% increase in infections following Halloween, however, hospi-

Infographic by Karla Enriquez | Signal Tribune

The City of Long Beach is offering COVID-19 boosters to people 18 years and older. So far, 3,661 people have received their third vaccine dose.

talizations and deaths declined in large part due to the vaccines, according to a City statement.

“As the sun sets earlier and the weather cools, more gatherings and activities will take place indoors, where COVID-19 spreads more easily,” the statement said.

Citing studies that have shown that vaccine effectiveness can begin to wane after six months, the City encouraged getting the vaccine booster to provide added immunity during the holiday season and beyond.

“It is essential that people get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible,” said City Health Officer Dr. Anissa Davis. “We urge everyone to do their part to prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases.” see BOOSTER SHOT page 3

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Beneath a replica of a Bell UH-1 Iroquois more commonly known as a “Huey” military helicopter is a sign for Houghton Park on June 1, 2021.

Community Learning Hub reopens at Houghton Park on Nov. 29 Staff Report iS n g al rT ibune

HOUSING

LB must make room for over 25,000 new housing units over next eight years Parcels concentrated in ‘low resource’ areas Emma DiMaggio

L a M naging idE tor

ong Beach must make room for 26,502 units of housing over the next eight years, a 276% increase from its last eightyear housing cycle.

These numbers come from the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), a State analysis of how much housing must be created in certain regions to meet current and future housing demands.

The assessment is done every eight years and aligns with the State’s eight-year requirement for cities to update their housing elements.

During the last RHNA cycle, Long Beach was required to create 7,048 units of housing. It only met 16% of its affordable housing re-

quirements.

And this cycle, the State has increased Long Beach’s housing requirements by 276%. Of those, 58% need to be affordable.

“It’s aspirational, it’s doable. It’s going to be an aggressive approach.

It’s going to require the cooperation of a lot of private property owners to help us realize that,” Councilmember Al Austin said of the housing requirements. “I think that’s the missing element.”

The Long Beach City Council discussed the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element—a plan to make space for its State-imposed housing requirements—at its Tuesday, Nov. 16 meeting. Both Mayor Robert Garcia and Vice Mayor Rex Richardson were absent from the meeting.

The Housing Element is a document that will shape the City’s ap-

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Elsa Tung, land use program manager for Long Beach Forward, reviews what she will say during public comment at a Nov. 16, 2021 Long Beach City Council meeting. proach to housing for the next eight years.

It includes goals and policies to help meet its housing requirements, including ways to incentivize developers, prospective parcels

for development and an assessment of the current condition of the city’s “housing landscape.”

In a presentation to the council, see HOUSING ELEMENT page 5

Long Beach’s Community Learning Hub at the Houghton Park Community Center is reopening for free independent study and after-school activities for students.

Long Beach Unified School District students from kindergarten to eighth grade can register for the programs beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

The hub provides high-speed internet for LBUSD students to participate in independent study assignments on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Youth can participate in after-school activities like academic support, sports and fitness from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Earlier this year, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department ran three other Community Learning Hubs—located at Ernest McBride Park, Oribaza Park and Veterans Park—which closed in June for summer break and did not reopen due to the return to in-person learning.

The Community Learning Hub Program began last fall thanks to federal American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated through the Long Beach Recovery Act. The Houghton Park Community Learning Hub is the only location reopening.

Weekly registration for the program is required. Those interested can apply online or in-person starting Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. Registration is available in-person at Houghton Park on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. after Nov. 17.

see VACCINE page 11

2

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • COMMUNITY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 COMMUNITY

HOLIDAYS

Local organization AOC7 to host second annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway, sets sight on partnership with local schools Karla M. Enriquez

Staff Report

Dilatig Edroti

Intent on providing meals for families in need, the Anaheim, Orange, Cherry and 7th Street Neighborhood Association (AOC7) is hosting its second annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

The food giveaway will take place at the Museum of Latin American Art and will serve 200 Long Beach families this year, AOC7 board member Mary Simmons said.

Registration for the dinner giveaway is required.

“I feel blessed,” Simmons said of organizing the event. “It’s a blessing to be a part of it. I love the smiles.”

Some of the returning partners include local non-profit Help Me Help You and Long Beach Forward.

Nourishing Neighbors partner Vons will sponsor 100 turkeys for the distribution and the Church of Latter-Day Saints will donate beef and pork roast with side dishes such as mashed potatoes and gravy.

“Some families don’t eat turkey, sometimes a turkey is too big for a family so we’ll probably say like ‘turkey or roast?’ but they’re going to get all the sides to go with it,” Simmons said.

The primarily drive-through event will also offer families pie (pumpkin or apple) to complete their meals.

Aside from the food distribution, other community resources will be available for families such as information on the food program CalFresh.

“We just try to make it fun,” Simmons said. “We’re just happy to serve.”

Recently, it was brought to Simmons’ attention that an expecting mother in the community needed a turkey and reached out. When the community member responded with joy over the holiday meal, Simmons remembered why the event was created.

“That’s all you [need] to hear to make you feel like ‘Yes, I’m doing the right thing,’” the board member said.

Ahead of the Nov. 23 event, AOC7 will partner with Food Find-

Here’s which Long Beach departments will be closed for Thanksgiving Silang Trenubi

Image Courtesy Mary Simmons

Denise Hahn, a local Vons representative stands next to the food that was distributed at the 2020 Thanksgiving Food Giveaway hosted by AOC7. ers on Sunday, Nov. 21 to distribute 40 turkeys and other food items for AOC7 neighbors.

AOC7 started doing food distributions and giveaways in April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think a lot of us answered the call to help with food insecurity, especially in our neighborhood, it’s underserved, under-resourced, undernourished,” Simmons said.

What started as gift card distributions in spring 2020 grew into a drive-thru food pantry at Mark Twain Library.

Last year’s Thanksgiving distribution saw 440 turkeys provided to families in need.

“I love it because it’s more like a heart issue,” Simmons said of the eagerness of its partners to participate, including The Long Beach Green Room. “All we have to do is reach out and people are just wanting to give, they make room for it.”

AOC7 in the community year-round Simmons noted that AOC7 is active in the community year-round, something that earned them the “Non-profit of the Year” award by Senator Lena Gonzalez represent-

ing the 33rd District.

In late October, the neighborhood organization hosted a COVID-19 vaccination event at Lincoln Elementary in partnership with DAYS Long Beach, Centro CHA and other local organizations.

The event also included a food, diaper and school supply distribution and Halloween treats for children.

As the organization continues to host its food pantries, it is also looking forward to its partnership with local schools, Retreat-ish––a mini-workshop event that features a youth art camp, yoga for all and wellness baskets. The event has been free for families of the Long Beach Unified School District.

The latest Retreat-ish took place at Ben Franklin Classical Middle School in early November and according to Simmons, it’s in the planning stages to host another. No date has been set yet.

“I think the schools is where our focus is turning in more because that’s where our families are,” Simmons said.

For more information on community events by AOC7, visit their website at www.aoc7neighborhood.com and follow them on Instagram @aocseven.

The City of Long Beach facilities and services will adhere to the following schedules on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday: Open on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday), Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26: • Fire Stations and Lifeguard Stations • All City parks and trails, including El Dorado Regional Park (Nature Center closed Thursday) • Long Beach Airport • Main Police Station Front Desk • Refuse and Recycling Collection (offices will be closed but refuse and recycling will be collected as usual) • Gas Services Dispatch (562.570.2140) open 24/7 for emergency calls • Water/Sewer Dispatch (562.570.2390) open 24/7 for emergency calls Open Friday, Nov. 26, but closed Thanksgiving Day (Thursday), Nov. 25: • City-run COVID-19 test sites • Long Beach City College – Pacific Coast Campus and Houghton Park testing sites open Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• El Dorado Nature Center (El Dorado Regional Park open Thursday and Friday) • Marina offices (Alamitos Bay Marina, Shoreline Marina) • City pools (Belmont Plaza Pool, King Park Pool and Silverado Park Pool) Closed on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday), Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26: • Billie Jean King Main Library, all branch libraries, including pickup services and Library offices (digital resources available 24/7) • BizCare Pop-Up at Mark Twain Library • Building and Safety Services, including inspections, plan reviews and Permit Center • City Hall • City Prosecutor Office • Citizen Police Complaint Commission

• Community Hotline (562.570.

INFO), Resource Hotline (562.570.

INFO, option 5), BizCare Hotline (562.570.4BIZ) • Code Enforcement Services • COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinics • Energy Resources offices • Fire Headquarters, Support Services, Fire Prevention & Operations, including Marine Safety Administration • Health Department and Health facilities • Housing Authority • Long Beach Airport administration offices • Long Beach Animal Care Services and spcaLA • Neighborhood Resource Center • Park offices and community park facilities • Special Events and Filming offices • Street sweeping • Towing and Lien Sales • Water Department offices • WorkPlace, Youth Opportunity Center and Pacific Gateway Administrative offices • Gas, Water and Refuse Call Centers City Hall While City Hall is closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26, the public is encouraged to take advantage of the convenient online resources available on the City of Long Beach website, as well as bill payment options available on the Financial Services website.

Street Sweeping There will be no scheduled street sweeping or enforcement of street sweeping violations on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26. Street sweeping will resume its regular schedule on Monday, Nov. 29.

Parking Enforcement Read your parking meter: Parking meters will be enforced Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26, except for meters that state “Exempt on Holidays.” The days and hours of enforcement are displayed inside the meters.

Refuse/Recycling Refuse and Recycling will be collected as scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26.

Towing and Lien Sales The Towing Operations & Vehicle Storage Facility, located at 3111 E. Willow St. between Temple Avenue and Redondo Avenue, will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Nov. 26. Normal business hours are: • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Closed Sunday and holidays.

Vehicles and property are available for release outside of the hours listed above for an additional fee.

More information can be found online.

Libraries All Long Beach Public Library locations, including the Library main phone line, will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26. All libraries will be open on Saturday, Nov. 27. Libraries are not open Sundays or Mondays, per their normal schedule. Library patrons are encouraged to utilize the Library’s vast collection of digital resources, including the Library catalog, downloads, and databases, available 24/7.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 BOOSTER SHOT

PORTS

Citing backlog progress, Ports of LA, LB delay fines for idling containers Staff Report Silang Trenubi

T

he ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach announced Monday, Nov. 15 that their new “Container Excess Dwell Fee” on companies whose containers linger at marine terminals will be delayed until Nov. 22 due to “noticeable progress” made reducing the number of import containers at the terminal.

“There’s been significant improvement in clearing import containers from our docks in recent weeks,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

“I’m grateful to the many nodes of the supply chain, from shipping lines, marine terminals, trucks and cargo owners, for their increased collaborative efforts. We will continue to closely monitor the data as we approach November 22.”

The fee was announced on Oct. 25 as one of several efforts to speed the processing of cargo at the San Pedro Port Complex and eliminate a backlog of ships trying to deliver merchandise.

The Port of Los Angeles said when it announced the policy that about 40% of import containers were idling at terminals for at least nine days.

On Monday, Nov. 15, the ports announced that since the fee was announced, the San Pedro Port Complex has seen a 26% reduction of aging cargo on the docks.

Both Long Beach and Los Angeles harbor commissions unanimously approved the policy on Oct.

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Two trucks unload their cargo at the Port of Long Beach on Nov. 2, 2021.

29, to be in effect for 90 days.

“We’re encouraged by the progress our supply chain partners have made in helping our terminals shed long-dwelling import containers.

Clearly, everyone is working together to speed the movement of cargo and reduce the backlog of ships off the coast as quickly as possible,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “Postponing consideration of the fee provides more time, while keeping the focus on the results we need.”

The fines, if implemented, will begin at $100 per container, increasing by $100 per container each

day. Containers set to be transported by truck will incur fines if they remain at the port for nine days or more. For rail containers, fines will be assessed if they are at the port for three days or more.

Fees collected from the policy will be reinvested into programs that aim to enhance efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity and address congestion impacts.

The policy to implement fees was developed in coordination with the Biden-Harris Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Port of Long Beach and supply chain stakeholders.

HOLIDAYS

Signal Hill announces holiday events for residents and older adults, including crafts and tree lighting ceremony Staff Report Silang Trenubi

The City of Signal Hill announced a number of holiday activities during the end of November and the beginning of December.

Holiday Toy Drive

The Signal Hill Police Department will host a holiday toy drive at the Target located at 950 E. 33rd Street. Residents are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more.

Signal Hill Police Department staff will be collecting donations outside the store from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27. The Signal Hill Police Foundation is co-hosting the event.

For more information, residents can contact Lieutenant Kelli Crigler

3

at kcriger@signalhillpd.org.

Holiday Wreath Crafting for Older Adults

Adults age 55 and up are invited to participate in a holiday wreath crafting event on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Signal Hill Public Library in the Library Community Room.

Those interested can contact the Community Services Department at 562-989-7330 for more information.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Cities of Signal Hill and Long Beach will hold a tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at the Signal Hill Public Library. Live entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. and the tree lights at 6 p.m.

After the tree lighting, visits with Santa, activities and treats will

be available. The event is free of charge.

Holiday Sugar Cookie Decorating

The Signal Hill Public Library will host a holiday sugar cookie decorating class for free on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The free event is for ages 16 and up.

Those interested can pre-register by visiting the library or by calling 562-989-7323. Masks are required.

Active Adults Holiday Luncheon Bingo Adults age 55 and up are invited for a holiday luncheon and BINGO on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the Signal Hill Public Library. Holiday attire is encouraged. BINGO begins at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon.

continued from page 1 Adults seeking the boosters must have received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine at least two months ago or finished their twodose Moderna or Pfizer vaccination series at least six months ago.

COVID-19 boosters are available at the following City-run vaccine sites: Houghton Park (6301 N. Myrtle Ave.) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays (closed Dec. 1) CSULB (1250 Bellflower Blvd., near the bookstore) from noon to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays (closed Nov. 22, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1) Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus (Orange Av-

enue at Pacific Coast Highway) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays (Dec. 1 morning clinic closed) Long Beach City College Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.) Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Dec. 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)

Main Health (2525 Grand Ave.) from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays Cabrillo High School (2001 Santa Fe Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays Appointments for vaccines and boosters are strongly suggested.

People may visit myturn.ca.gov or call 562-570-4636 to make an appointment.

4

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • COMMUNITY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 COMMUNITY

‘Lost Voices of Long Beach’ documentary gives unhoused people a chance to tell their story rK isten a F rrah Naeem

Struggles of living on the street

Stfa Wrreti

D

uring an upcoming winter supply drive to collect necessities for Long Beach’s unhoused residents on Sunday, Nov. 21, a new short documentary will be shown that shares their perspectives.

“I wanted to create a documentary because I wanted the people of Long Beach— but not just really Long Beach, pretty much everywhere—to see the struggles of the unhoused community,” creator Marcella Liggins said. “And I really wanted to give them a platform to speak about how they became unhoused and what we as a community can do to help them get back into society and back on their feet.”

The premiere of the 15-minute documentary, “Lost Voices of Long Beach,” will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21 at a local yoga studio, Yogalution Movement, located at 244 Redondo Ave.

COVID-19 and civil unrest inspire Liggins to assist unhoused neighbors

Liggins regularly holds supply drives and distributions to help people who are experiencing homelessness.

She first started assisting the unhoused community last year during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd by a police officer.

“I would bring food and water and snacks for the protesters and I would also bring extra food, water and supplies for the unhoused community,” Liggins said.

Over the summer of 2020, public water fountains were shut off to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“It was so hot in Long Beach and a lot of the water stations were turned off because of COVID and I just felt really bad because they didn’t have access to cold water,” Liggins said.

She then began to go out twice a week to distribute water to those in need.

From there, she began to also incorporate sack lunches and sanitary products into her distributions.

In the winter of 2020 Liggins got the idea to create a documentary about the experiences of unhoused people and began filming in May 2021.

“Living on the streets is so hard, especially with all the sweeps that are going on,” Liggins said. “It’s really hard for people to, you know, stay warm, stay cool during the summer and it’s a lot of struggles that they have to deal with every single day, and I really just wanted to highlight that.”

Through her documentary, Liggins hopes to combat the negative stereotypes associat-

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

(Above) Workers with the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine remove items from an unhoused encampment under the Ocean Avenue bridge that goes across Shoreline Drive in Long Beach on Nov. 18, 2021. (Below) A man who goes by the name JQ packs his possessions into his tent after being informed he needs to leave the area on Nov. 18, 2021.

JQ is a 27-year-old Long Beach resident that has experienced homelessness for the last eight months.

ed with homelessness.

“Everyone thinks that everyone that’s unhoused is a drug addict or they want to be unhoused or they’re a criminal,” Liggins said. “And that’s really not the case.”

According to Liggins, she interviewed around five subjects for her documentary, two of whom she met by the LA River.

In a short clip from the documentary that Liggins posted on Instagram, two unhoused people explain how they ended up living on the streets.

A woman identified as Erika recalls her

harrowing escape from domestic violence after the man she was living with nearly shot her. She grabbed only her purse and dog before fleeing from the home, and has been unhoused since then.

A man named Chris tells the camera a Compton Sheriff’s Deputy snuck up behind him with his gun drawn. Chris says he didn’t realize it was an officer, panicked and struck the officer when approached from behind. This resulted in a felony charge which barred Chris from living with his brother, who receives Section 8 housing.

Police sometimes conduct sweeps on encampments made by unhoused people, which includes those Liggins meets along the LA River as she hands out supplies.

“You’re sweeping them, you’re moving them from one area to another area but you’re not really giving them any help or advice on where to go,” Liggins said.

During sweeps of homeless encampments by authorities, unhoused people can lose the few possessions they have.

“It’s a really big issue because a lot of people down the LA River are elderly, they’re disabled,” Liggins said. “A lot of these people are older and it’s hard for them during the sweeps because they have their whole life in, you know, in a tent, in a bag, in a backpack, in a sleeping bag. And then they’ll get like X amount of time to have to move this stuff to another area. And if you’re disabled and if you can barely walk or if you’re in a wheelchair that’s hard to do.”

Liggins also explained that many of the unhoused people she meets feel ostracized from society, and asked other members of the community to at least acknowledge them.

“A lot of them state that they feel not a part of society or looked down upon [...] And if they do say ‘Hey do you have change?’ you can look at them and be like ‘No I don’t.’

That’s all you have to do. You don’t have to ignore them. No one wants to feel ignored,” Liggins said.

As winter approaches, supplies are needed to help unhoused people get through the cold weather.

“A lot of them get really cold, they get sick because they have no way of staying warm in their tents,” Liggins said. “A lot of them, you know, barely have the clothes on their back and maybe a blanket, if that.”

According to Liggins, emergency blankets are especially valuable because they are waterproof and help keep people dry and warm when it rains, whereas a regular blanket will just get soaked.

“I just want the public to know to be kind and compassionate and show empathy to our unhoused neighbors,” Liggins said.

Liggins will be collecting items such as jackets, socks, beanies, emergency blankets, tents and more on Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Yogalution Movement to distribute to unhoused people.

While winter shelters are set up throughout LA County from Nov. 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, they have a limited number of beds and people who wish to stay in them must call first. If space is available, Long Beach’s Multi-Service Center offers transportation to shelters from the center. The Multi-Service Center is located at 1301 W 12th St. and is closed on the weekend. The winter shelter hotline is 1-800-548-6047.

Signal Tribune MANAGING EDITOR

Emma DiMaggio

DIGITAL EDITOR

Karla M. Enriquez

PHOTO EDITOR

Richard H. Grant

LEGALS COORDINATOR

Katherine Green

SENIOR WRITER

Anita W. Harris

STAFF WRITER

Kristen Farrah Naeem

COLUMNIST

Claudine Burnett

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 i­ nformation when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when, and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. This policy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to interview candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday. Yearly subscriptions are available for $100.

1860 Obispo Avenue, Suite F , Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900 www.signaltribune.com newspaper@signaltribune.com

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

5

HOUSING ELEMENT continued from page 1

Planning Manager Patricia Diefenderfer summarized that landscape.

43% of Long Beach’s majority-renter population is overburdened by housing costs—meaning they pay too much for their rent or mortgage—and the effects are felt particularly by renters of color.

“Rents are unaffordable to many in the city,” Diefenderfer said.

“They’re unaffordable to low-income and even some moderate-income households.”

People of color are disproportionately affected by overcrowding, concentrated primarily in West, Central and North Long Beach.

They’re less likely to own a home than white residents.

“Families are being pushed to their financial limits because of enormous housing costs,” said Maggie Valenzuela with the Long Beach Coalition for Good Jobs and a Healthy Community. “Long Beach must do better for those who are barely hanging on during these tough economic times.”

Earlier this year, the council received a report outlining where new housing could be constructed—based on likelihood to be developed, existing lot coverage, lot size, zoning and other specific criteria set forth by the State.

The site inventory concentrated a majority of those parcels in North, East and West Long Beach, away from “high opportunity areas” in East Long Beach.

During public comment, Elsa Tung, land use program manager with Long Beach Forward, called upon the City to identify more housing sites in high-resource areas.

“We need to dismantle the legacies of redlining and segregation for more than 80 years,” Tung said.

“67% of all the identified housing sites in the inventory are located in high segregation slash poverty, low resource or moderate resource areas.”

The Housing Element does include more sites in high-resource areas compared to a previous draft version of the plan. This time around, 15% of the parcels in the site inventory are in the high-resource areas, with a little more than 35% in moderate-resource areas.

Gabby Hernandez, executive director of Long Beach Residents Empowered, said that the plan “reinforces historical redlining, segregation and racial concentrations of poverty.”

Deputy Director of Development Services Christopher Koontz pointed out that the City is not responsible for building the housing, but rather creating an environment where the creation of housing is possible and incentivized.

“The City does not build individual projects,” Koontz said, noting that more substantial incentives for building, like tax credits, come down from the State. “We provide the underlying rules of the road, the zoning codes.”

He said the current Housing Element “furthers our fair housing goals more than any other prior endeavor by the City” and “satisfies the requirements of the law.”

The Housing Element also includes a plan to introduce an ordinance protecting renters against substantial remodel evictions by 2023. Many residents called on the council to move the deadline to 2022, but Koontz said that such a move would put the City at risk of litigation if they don’t meet the deadline.

Types of Housing Needed in Long Beach according to the 2021-2029 Regional Housing Needs Assessment

City of Long Beach

(Left) Each dark blue dot on the map represents a site parcel identified for potential development in the 2021-2029 Housing Element. Few are concentrated in “high resource” areas, which make up most of the wealthier East Long Beach area. (Right) Types of housing by affordability (AMI, Area Median Income) that Long Beach must make room for in the next eight years.

“

Families are being pushed to their financial limits because of enormous housing costs. Long Beach must do better for those who are barely hanging on during these tough economic times.

-Maggie Valenzuela with the Long Beach Coalition for Good Jobs and a Healthy Community

QUICK FACTS ABOUT HOUSING IN LONG BEACH 1. 61% of Long Beach households are renters 2. 43% of renter households are housing cost burdened, meaning they pay too much for their rent or mortgage 3. The median rent in Long Beach is $1,895 4. People of color are disproportinately affected by overcrowding

Since the plan is part of the Housing Element, defaulting on the promise would make the City “subject to being almost immediately out of compliance,” Koontz said.

Residents also proposed a rent stabilization ordinance. Councilmember Mary Zendejas showed interest in the idea. The Housing Element includes an item to “explore” rent stabilization as well as tenant-landlord mediation programs.

The plan also includes 27 other objectives that include community land trusts, housing rehabilitation, homeownership assistance, accessory dwelling units, micro-units and adaptive reuse, among others.

Recently-approved policies like density bonuses and an inclusionary housing policy in the Downtown area also hope to contribute to the City’s housing goals.

“We have developed a multipronged strategic approach to creating better options and opportunities,” Austin said. “I think we need to continue to keep our foot on the gas and be aggressive in doing so.”

The City has limited time to make changes to the Housing Element, which has already undergone one round of revisions from the State. A final version must be submitted by Feb. 11, 2022.

Since the State has 60 days to give their second round of feedback, Diefenderfer said the City was in a “time crunch” and that there would be little if any room for substantial changes when it comes back to the council.

“We must build enough affordable housing to address our current and future situations,” Councilmember Mary Zendejas said.

“Last time the Housing Element came to us, it was a missed opportunity. That’s what I keep hearing from all sorts, from housing developers, from housing advocates.

This time around, we must get it right.”

Blackbird Cafe has food to go!

Everyday from 7am - 2pm.

Visit Blackbirdlb.com to see our Menu

Call (562) 490-2473 to place your order

We’re fully reopened!

Blackbird has food to go until 2 p.m. We’re excited to see you.

We appreciate your continued patronage!

3405 Orange Ave. LB 562.490.2473 • blackbirdlb.com • @BlackBirdCafeLB

6

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • ARTS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 ARTS

Artists uncover the layers of LA in latest show at Flatline Gallery The mixed-media exhibition features photography, graffiti, paint and LED lighting Karla M. Enriquez

A

Dilatig Edroti

n artistic exploration of Los Angeles lies in the layers of wheat paste, photography, graffiti, painting and LED light pieces now on display at ..Flatline Gallery.

‘Uncovered’—showing till Dec. 12—was inspired by experiences and observations made throughout L.A. by artists Melinda Sanchez and Eduardo Viramontes.

“We wanted to recreate that feeling of finding these little like, hidden gems or like just cool little things that you see walking around the city,” Viramontes said of the exhibition.

For both artists, the graffiti and layers of texture in the artworks are meant to evoke the warmth that comes from the familiarity of their hometown.

One of the most striking pieces, “Life Keeps Going,” is a mixed-media candid portrait of a presumed city worker taken by Sanchez near Olvera Street.

An older woman’s framed stare is fixed to the right, her auburn hair coiffed neatly and her red lips pursed. In a gloved hand sits a broom. Looming in the distance is L.A.’s iconic city hall building, but it’s the blue and yellow graffiti dancing around the woman that commands attention.

The contrasts in the photo are further accentuated by Viramontes’ signature lettering, calligraphy in blue, adorning the right corner.

“I get very emotional when I look at that piece,” Sanchez said. “She’s just so beautiful.

And when I saw her, I was so mesmerized by the fact she took such pride in her looks.”

For Sanchez, the woman represented her mom, her grandmother and all the women in her family who have worked hard to support their families.

“It makes me so emotional to think that people are out there working so hard after 60 plus [years old] and have to still make their ends [meet] for their family, for themselves,” Sanchez said. “It just speaks volumes for me.”

For Sanchez, the artwork is deeply personal. Since the death of her father in 2012 and her mother in 2014, photography has been therapeutic.

The “silver lining” perspective that propelled her to take photography seriously after the loss of her parents is often seen in the contrasts of ‘Uncovered.’

“When I take a photo of something it’s not just like, ‘Oh, it’s really dark or grim’ I want to see something beautiful out of something that may be out of darkness,” Sanchez said of her work.

Those contrasts can be seen again in “Untitled,” a mixed media distressed piece illuminated by LED lighting.

The piece is encased by a window frame and shows a young girl suspended in dance near Olvera Street.

“She just stood out, she was dancing by herself [with Aztec dancers], having fun and I just captured her joy,” Sanchez said.

Viramontes distressed the glass and the graffiti that accompanies the piece blurs the identity of the girl, but her expression of joy shines through.

“I’ve always been connected with that, just letting go and thinking about childhood and how there was no worries or stress back then,” Sanchez said.

The photographer envisions the piece as a window to the past, a look at one’s own

childhood, a memory that is fading, but still present.

“It strings up emotions,” the photographer said, noting that both artists became emotional upon installing the piece at the gallery.

Tapping further into childhood memories is the centerpiece “On Sacred Ground,” an altar installation that stands majestic upon entering the gallery.

“

When I take a photo of something it’s not just like ‘Oh, it’s really dark or grim.’ I want to see something beautiful out of something that may be out of darkness.

-Artist Melinda Sanchez

Viramontes’ black calligraphy enshrines the altar as rusted barbed wire hangs like a garland. A string of lights adorns the wooden frame that encases a canvas print of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The photo was taken at an altar in revered Boyle Heights taco restaurant “El Tepeyac,” a place Viramontes and his family have frequented since childhood.

“It’s kind of getting back the layers of the Virgen de Guadalupe itself,” Viramontes said of the piece, which is an exploration of the origins of the virgin and other deities who were worshipped on the hill of El Tepeyac in Mexico City.

Layered on the piece is also a small image of Indigenous mother goddess Tonantzin, who is depicted in a yellow and pink gradient outline. Large red and white roses and sunflowers rest in a vase at the center of the image giving reverence to the deities.

Viramontes’ green and yellow gradient of calligraphy adorns the top half of the photo, almost mirroring the shape of the gothic window-like frame.

Viramontes referred to the piece as full circle, bringing in his own family history into the artwork.

“It brings [it] back to L.A., where it’s kind of an L.A. thing where you see these altars at restaurants and houses,” Viramontes said.

And an authentic L.A. experience is what Sanchez and Viramontes bring to North Long Beach through ‘Uncovered.’

“The idea of adding layers, just of our personal selves, our personal history and the city’s history, putting it all together—[I’m] trying to show this work in the hopes of having somebody see things in the city that excite us and maybe will start to excite somebody else,” Viramontes said.

View ‘Uncovered’ at Flatline Gallery located at 6023 Atlantic Ave. Wednesday through Friday by appointment and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Image Courtesy Flatline Gallery

(Above) “Life Keeps Going” hangs at Flatline Gallery in November 2021. The mixed media piece by Melinda Sanchez and Eduardo Viramontes is part of ‘Uncovered’ showing until Dec. 12 at Flatline. (Below) The centerpiece, “On Sacred Ground,” is showcased at Flatline Gallery in North Long Beach.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • ARTS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

7

ARTS

West Long Beach gets ten new utility box murals along Santa Fe Corridor Emma DiMaggio

C Magnia Edroti

ouncilmember Roberto Uranga announced today that a new utility box mural project is coming to West Long

Beach.

The project brought eight muralists to paint ten utility boxes along the Santa Fe Corridor between Wardlow Road and Pacific Coast Highway. The project was funded through District 7 discretionary funds and eight out of ten have been painted thus far.

“This project has been a long time in the making,” Councilmember Roberto Uranga said in a statement. “Improving the business corridor is one of my top priorities, so it was unfortunate that the project was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. When I saw the murals, I knew it was worth the wait—they are beautiful, colorful, and the artistry is masterful. I encourage you to see them in person!”

On the morning of Nov. 16, artist Meghan Boterenbrood sat at the corner of Willow Street and Regway Avenue to paint portraits of women on a utility box.

“I really love doing portraiture, I feel like, especially in Long Beach, we have so many different people of all races and ethnicities, and everyone has their own little story,” said Boterenbrood, who’s also the artist behind another utility box mural near Downtown Long Beach.

According to a statement from Uranga, the utility box mural project is part of a larger effort to improve the Santa Fe Business Corridor through “beautification projects and facade improvements.”

Uranga partnered with the Bixby Knolls Business Association for the project, which chose several lo-

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Long Beach District 7 Councilmember Roberto Uranga stands next to the mural by Long Beach artist, Janelle Carbajal (@yeahnelle on Instagram) that is on the corner of 23rd Street and Santa Fe Ave. next to Admiral Kidd Park in Long Beach on Nov. 16, 2021. As part of the project to beautify the area local artists have been painting on utility boxes at the intersections.

cal Long Beach artists with pieces “carefully selected with the culture and history of West Long Beach in mind,” Uranga said.

“We hand-picked these artists with the council office because of the level of skill and unique features that they could bring to the

Santa Fe corridor,” said Blair Cohn of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.

The new murals can be found at the following locations: • Janelle Carbajal, 21st Street and Santa Fe Avenue • LaJon Miller, 23rd Street and

A QUICK TOUR OF THE MURALS

1 4 Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

2

3

(1) Local Long Beach Artist Meghan Boterenbrood painted portraits of women onto a utility box at 1915 W. Willow Street.

(2) A mural by Long Beach artist, Tiffany Le (@letealeaf on Instagram) that is on the corner of Hill Street and Santa Fe Ave. (3) A mural by Long Beach artist, Steve Fawley that is on the corner of Willow Street and Santa Fe Ave. (4) A mural by Long Beach artist, LaJon Miller (@artbylajon on Instagram) that is on the corner of 23rd Street and Santa Fe Ave.

Santa Fe Avenue • Joon the Goon, Wardlow Road and Santa Fe Avenue • Steve Fawley, Willow Street and Santa Fe Avenue • Meghan Boterenbrood, 1915 W. Willow (Willow Street and Regway Avenue)

• Tiffany Le, Hill Street and Santa Fe Avenue • Ms. Yellow, Burnett Street and Santa Fe Avenue • Asia Morris, Spring Street and Santa Fe Avenue Richard H. Grant contributed to this report.

8

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 LBUSD

LBUSD still seeking public feedback on redistricting map, with less than two weeks to go Anita W. Harris

W Senior rW iter

.ith less than two weeks left before Dec. 1— when the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education wants to decide on a new district map—the board still expressed concern during its Wednesday, Nov. 17, meeting about receiving little community feedback.

The board has been discussing redistricting since September, after official 2020 census data came out showing population imbalances among the district’s five board representation areas. According to federal law under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, each area must have the same voting population within a 10% margin and the population variance is currently 14%.

LBUSD drew up three potential new area maps to balance out the population of more than half a million residents while attempting

Long Beach Unified School District

A population density map overlaid with the current Long Beach Unified School District Board representation map.

562-498-8788 3225 E. PCH, Suite C, Signal Hill, CA 90755

TIRED OF PAYING THIRD-PARTY DELIVERY FEES? THESE APPS COST OUR CUSTOMERS AND OUR RESTAURANT EXTREMELY HIGH SERVICE FEES.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ORDER DIRECTLY FROM OUR WEBSITE AT BIGEPIZZA.COM OR DOWNLOAD OUR APP FROM THE APPLE OR GOOGLE PLAY STORY AND SAVE $10 OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WITH CODE SHP21.

to preserve majority Latinx voting blocks in three of its areas.

However, according to Assistant Director of Equity James Suarez, LBUSD has received 113 responses from those residents about what they like or don’t like about the maps—only 29 more than when the board reviewed that data two weeks ago.

Chief Business and Financial Officer Yumi Takahashi, who is managing the redistricting, said LBUSD will be adding a population density map to its redistricting webpage to help the community understand why Area 5 is geographically bigger than Area 3, since that was one of the questions it received from the public.

Areas 1, 2 and 3—with more multifamily homes—are more densely populated than areas 4 and 5 that have more single-family homes, Takahashi added.

Justin Grayson, chief communications and community engagement officer, said LBUSD has mailed informational flyers to 40,000 households to solicit feedback, in addition to soliciting through social media posts and attending community events.

Nevertheless, Board President Juan Benitez expressed concern that most of the 113 public comments LBUSD received were in English with only one in Spanish.

He urged LBUSD to increase direct community engagement efforts, especially for those who don’t have access to LBUSD’s website.

Benitez also said LBUSD should do more to instruct the public about how they should be reading the three map options, such as looking at how voting populations and ethnic subgroups change among the three.

“Folks don’t know what we’re trying to get at with the maps,” he said.

The public comments LBUSD has received so far through its website revolve around keeping communities together, Suarez said.

They include keeping Signal Hill in one area rather than splitting it into two—which the City of Signal Hill itself also expressed support for, Suarez said—and keeping together the neighborhoods of California Heights, Los Cerritos and Bixby Knolls.

Signal Hill is currently all in Area 4 but would be divided in two of the new map scenarios, Takahashi said. Only Map 2 keeps all of Signal Hill in Area 4.

Board Member Doug Otto, representing Area 4, said he personally hasn’t received much other public feedback on redistricting.

While the board is concerned with fair and balanced redistricting, the public may be more interested in how it affects them, he said.

“People who are interested in redistricting are primarily interested in how it affects their kids,” Otto said.

Board area changes do not affect which school children attend, only which board member represents the area.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • LEGAL NOTICES • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call In Source Logic at 702659-7766 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Website www.insourcelogic.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA05000610-18-14. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 702-6597766, or visit this internet website www. insourcelogic.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA05000610-1814 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: November 11, 2021 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA05000610-18-14 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949252-8300 TDD: 866-660-4288 Amy Lemus, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.insourcelogic.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: In Source Logic AT 702-659-7766 Trustee Corps may be acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained may be used for that purpose. Order Number 78568, Pub Dates: 11/19/2021, 11/26/2021, 12/3/2021, SIGNAL TRIBUNE

21, 2021; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept. F47. 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, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, November 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 2021 ___//ss//___Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: October 19, 2021

TST6567 / 2021 240235 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: METRO SHELVING PRODUCTS, 2300 Sea Ridge Drive, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Mailing address: 5318 East 2nd, #244, Long Beach, CA 90803. Registrant: DESIGN TEAM AMERICA, INC., 2300 Sea Ridge Dr., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: a Corporation.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Dennis Apodaca. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in December, 2021. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 2, 2021.

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

A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: November 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 2021

TST6570 Case No. 21LBCP00365 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia, 1st Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802 PETITION OF: BRIANNA MIERS AND ERIK HAMILTON TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Brianna Miers and Erik Hamilton have filed a petition with this court for a decree changing the names as follows: Present Name: 1. JADEN HUNTER HAMILTON to Proposed Name: 1. JADEN HUNTER HAMILTON-MIERS. Present Name: 2. SOFIA ROSE HAMILTON to Proposed Name: 2.

SOFIA ROSE HAMILTON-MIERS 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: December 29, 2021; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept. 26. 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, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, November 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 2021 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: November 16, 2021

TST6566 Case No. 21CHCP00380 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, CHATSWORTH COURTHOUSE, 9425 PENFIELD AVENIE, ROOM 1200, CHATSWORTH, CA. 91311 PETITION OF: ALTONEA HARRIS TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.

Petitioners: Altonea Harris has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: RYDER MEKHI GRAHAM to Proposed Name: RYDER MEKHI MOORE. 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: December

TST6568 Case No. 21CHCP00145 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, COMPTON COURTHOUSE, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT, 200 WEST COMPTON BLVD., COMPTON, CA. 90220 PETITION OF: KYLAH FAYE MONTGOMERY HARRIS TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Kylah Faye Montgomery Harris has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: KYLAH FAYE MONTGOMERY HARRIS to Proposed Name: KYLAH FAYE MONTGOMERY HARRIS DOUGLAS 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: January 25, 2022; 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, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, November 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 2021 ___//ss//___Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: November 12, 2021

is true and correct. Signed: Dara D. Kim. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 2, 2021.

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

A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: November 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 2021

TST6572/Order No: 9765 Auto Lien Sale On 12/7/2021 at 3902 W SLAUSON AVE LOS ANGELES,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2012 HARLEY DAV VIN: 1HD1FRM17CB669934 STATE: NV at 10 AM

Fukiko Furtney 90 Rosemary Duke 77 Kmes Fiest 75 Stephen Habitz 73 Mach Ou 76 Pauline Sullivan 83 Doris Steinberg 95 Allen Dobler 69 Barbara Lizenberger 83 Sue Scheller 92 Ralph Osterkamp 82 Harry Haywood III 91 Tina Elias 56 Gloria Dolan 96 Brenda Roberts 72 Claudine Carmellini 87 Frank Gonzalez 75 Daniel Odell 77 Gregory Cole 74 Rosa Beltran 92 The families were assisted by McKenzie Mortuary.

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

TST6569 / 2021 244989 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME The following person has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: JESSICA GORDON MUSIC PUBLISHING, located at 5101 E. Anaheim St., Apt. 105, Long Beach, CA 90804. The fictitious business name(s) referred to above were filed on January 22, 2021, original File No. 2021017442, in the County of Los Angeles. Registrant(S): JESSICA GORDON, 5101 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804. This business was conducted by an Individual. Signed: Jessica Gordon.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on November 8, 2021. Pub. The Signal Tribune: November 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 2021.

TST6571 / 2021 240488 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. CASH4URELECTRONICS, 2. WEBUYELECTRONIC, 3. CASH4YOURJUNK, 4.

LAY SENG DARA COMPUTER, 5. LAY SENG ENTERPRISE, 6. LAY SENG DARA ENTERPRISE, 1711 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90806. Registrant: DARA K. KIM, 1711 East Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90806. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement

LIVES LIVED

RETIRED COUPLE

Has $1Mil to lend on California Real Estate* V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING Principal

(818) 248-0000 Broker

WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans Real Estate License #01041073 CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217

Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional discount loans

BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

TAXHave SEASON a IS

HERE

TAX EXTENSION? Pet of the week:

Olive

As our volunteer Dee put it, sweet old Olive thinks that being in a kennel is the pits. She’s wonky, with bad skin and sad eyes. She was moping around the shelter, and only recently did she crack this smile after a few outings with Long Beach Animal Care Services’ loving volunteers. Someone needs to be the martini to this Olive and let her relax on the sofa with them and really enjoy her golden years.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, so make it meaningful for Olive. Our shelter’s adoptions are conducted through appointment only, so call 562570-PETS or email PetAdopt@ longbeach.gov to meet Olive.

Ask for ID#A666042.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Call the experts and get started NOW! Individual and business taxes Year-end Tax Planning Payroll • Quickbooks Setup 1099 Preparation • Sales Tax

Let us help you with your BOOKKEEPING NEEDS! Cambodian Khmer • + Spanish speaking!

MadKat, Inc

TST6565 APN: 7129-030-010 TS No: CA05000610-18-14 TO No: 200153311-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED November 22, 2016. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On December 16, 2021 at 10:00 AM, behind the fountain located in the Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA 91766, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on December 14, 2016 as Instrument No. 20161587768, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed

by HENRY GONZALEZ, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as Beneficiary, as nominee for NMSI INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 5054 GARDENIA AVENUE, LONG BEACH, CA 90807 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $484,440.62 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right.

The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires

9

10

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • LEGAL NOTICES• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE Thursday, November 11

4:10 a.m., Stolen vehicle – recovered, 1800 block Freeman Ave. 2:44 p.m., Inflict corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant; misdemeanor warrant, Walnut Ave./E. 27th St. (suspect arrested) 10:58 p.m., Burglary, 1000 block E. 32nd St.

Friday, November 12

8:18 a.m., Fire, 1900 block E. Willow St. 1:35 p.m., Burglary, 2500 block E. Willow St. 5:29 p.m., Fire, 1600 block E. Willow St. 9:57 p.m., Grand theft, 2400 block Cherry Ave.

Saturday, November 13

1:28 a.m., Battery, 2100 block Gundry Ave.

Sunday, November 14

2:04 p.m., Grand theft, 900 block E. 33rd St.

Monday, November 15

7:22 a.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1100 block E. Burnett St. 8:04 a.m., Auto burglary, 1800 block Obispo Ave.

Tuesday, November 16

2:46 p.m., Petty theft, 2700 block Cherry Ave. (suspect arrested)

Wednesday, November 17 None reported.

LBPD reporting area is too extensive to report here.

NEED TO POST A LEGAL NOTICE? Send an email to legalnotices@ signaltribune.com

Have a leak?

LET US CHECK! FREE LEAK ASSESSMENT! Pete’s Plumbing • BATHROOMS (562) 425-2373 petes-plumbing.com

• KITCHENS • LANDSCAPING LINES

We’re in a drought... don’t leak it out!

TST6556 APN: 7268-013-021 TS No: CA08001727-14-1S TO No: VTSG1605949 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).)

YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED July 7, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On December 2, 2021 at 09:00 AM, Vineyard Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on July 18, 2006 as Instrument No. 06 1576359, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by ALEN LANG LY, AN UNMARRIED MAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as Beneficiary, as nominee for NBGI, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1342 MYRTLE AVENUE, LONG BEACH, CA 90813 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust.

The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $645,957.99 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right.

The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be

made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Auction. com at 800.280.2832 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Website address www.Auction.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA08001727-14-1S. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website.

The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction.

There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call www.

Auction.com, or visit this internet website https://tracker.auction.com/sb1079/, using the file number assigned to this case CA08001727-14-1S to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: October 28, 2021 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA08001727-14-1S 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone:949-252-8300 TDD: 866-660-4288 Amy Lemus, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.

Auction.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Auction. com at 800.280.2832 Trustee Corps may be acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained may be used for that purpose. Order Number 78307, Pub Dates: 11/5/2021, 11/12/2021, 11/19/2021, SIGNAL TRIBUNE TST6560 / 2021 235301 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. SANCUS TAX RESOLUTION, 2.

SANCUS TAX, 3. SANCUSTAX, 4. SANCUS ACCOUNTING, 5. SANCUS TAX AND ACCOUNTING, 6. SANCUS TAX & ACCOUNTING, 4401 Atlantic Ave., Suite 200, Long Beach, CA 90807. Registrant: SANCUS TAX, INC., 4401 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Douglas Dick, CEO. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in January 2020. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on October 27, 2021. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: November 5, 12, 19, 26, 2021 TST6564 / 2021 246628 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: BRACKISH FIBERS,2030 E. 19th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: KAYA CREAGER, 2030 E 19th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Kaya Creager. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name.

This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 9, 2021. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: November 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 2021 TST6563 Case No. 21CHCP00389 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, CHATSWORTH COURTHOUSE, 9425 PENFIELD AVE, CHATSWORTH, CA. 91311 PETITION OF: JOSE IRVIN TELLO TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Jose Irvin Tello has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: JOSE IRVIN TELLO to Proposed Name: JOSE IRVIN BAUTISTA. 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: December 22, 2021; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept.

F47. 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, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, November 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 2021 ___//ss//___ David B. Gelfound, Judge of the Superior Court Dated October 27, 2021 TST6559 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MINI LEE SPURLING AKA MINNIE LEE SPURLING CASE NO. 21STPB10513 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MINI LEE SPURLING AKA MINNIE LEE SPURLING. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed

by SHEENA DENEE SPURLING in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SHEENA DENEE SPURLING 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 in this court as follows: 12/09/21 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 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 interested 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 MICHAEL PATINELLI - SBN 158825 PATINELLI & CHANG, LLP 2355 CRENSHAW BLVD., SUITE 185 TORRANCE CA 90501 11/12, 11/19, 11/26/21 CNS-3527698# THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

11

VACCINES

LBPD could lose contract with Metro if it doesn’t enforce vaccination mandate, motion advanced by Metro Board City News Service Southern California Local News

A Metro Board of Directors committee today advanced a motion to require the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Long Beach and Los Angeles police departments to enforce vaccination mandates by July 2022 or lose their contracts with Metro.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has said he will not force his deputies to get vaccinated under the county’s vaccine mandate for employees.

On Nov. 3, just 42.8% of sworn sheriff’s department personnel was

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

vaccinated.

The requirement to have agencies enforce vaccination mandates was introduced by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn as an amendment to a motion to extend policing contracts for an additional six months, through December 2022. The amendment was unanimously approved by the Operations, Safety and Customer Experience Committee, and the motion was advanced to the Board of Directors, which will consider it on Dec. 2.

“This is about safety and consistency. We are not requiring Metro riders to be vaccinated, so we need to make sure the people who we have interact with them are vacci-

nated to keep everyone safe,” Hahn said in a statement Thursday. “Metro is already requiring all of its bus drivers and train operators to get vaccinated, so it makes sense that we would require our law enforcement agencies to do the same.”

Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore is enforcing the city’s vaccination mandate which requires all municipal employees to get vaccinated by Dec. 18. As of Tuesday, 77% of the department was fully vaccinated.

Long Beach has also enacted a vaccination mandate for employees. As of July 27, 2021, 51% of sworn personnel were vaccinated, according to a memo from the city manager.

COME WATCH YOUR FAVORITE COLLEGE OR NFL TEAMS PLAY ON ONE OF OUR 13 BIG SCREEN TV’S

BREAKFAST

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST ON SUNDAYS AT 9:30 AM OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY AT 11 AM, SUNDAYS AT 9:30 AM

2951 CHERRY AVE, SIGNAL HILL, CA (562) 612-3456 / jimmyesbarandgrill.com

Man convicted of woman’s shooting death in Long Beach

LBUSD Board unanimously votes to offer free condoms in high schools to anonymous students

City News Service

A

Southern California Local News

Anita W. Harris

D

AND JIMMY E’S IS THE PLACE TO BE

CRIME

LBUSD

Senior rW iter

uring its Wednesday, Nov. 18 meeting, the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to amend board policy on the instruction of sexual health and HIV/ AIDS prevention by providing free condoms in its high schools but not making students identify themselves as they had to before.

Superintendent Jill Baker explained that condoms are provided by the State at no cost to the district and high schools would only give them out under certain conditions.

An advisory committee strongly recommended that the board change its sexual health policy so students don’t have to identify themselves when asking for a condom from their high school, Baker said.

“The revised policy satisfies the requirements set forth in the California Department of Education’s categorical program monitoring of the district’s comprehensive sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction,” Baker said.

New policy language holds that students don’t have to identify themselves “to see whether their parent made a choice that the student may not receive comprehensive sexual health instruction.”

Parents can request in writing

FOOTBALL IS BACK!

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Xochitl Gonzalez, a member of the group Long Beach Parents United, speaks during the public comment period of the Nov. 17, 2021 Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education meeting.

that their child be excused from sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction. The revised policy would allow schools to give students condoms even if their parent opted them out of that instruction since they would not be identified.

However, information may be given to students on where they can find out about the proper use of condoms, the revised policy states.

If a student requests more instruction, though, the school would first need to know if their parent opted them out of sexual health instruction.

“If the parent or guardian did not opt the student out of such instruction, then staff shall provide appropriate and necessary information regarding the proper use of condoms and the limits on their effectiveness,” new policy language states.

A few members of the public verbally protested the change during

the meeting, saying LBUSD’s revised policy oversteps the role of parents and doesn’t belong in an academic setting.

Xochitl Gonzalez, a member of the Long Beach Parents United advocacy group, objected to sex education in general. Parents should teach their children about sexual morality, not schools, she said, adding that it is embarrassing for students.

“Sexual education leaves teens vulnerable to sexual assault,” she said. “Sex education makes teenagers more promiscuous.”

According to existing policy, schools have to emphasize to condom-requesting students that “abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy, HIV transmission and sexually transmitted infections and that [LBUSD] does not condone or in any way encourage sexual activity among or with minors.”

Riverside County man was convicted Monday, Nov. 15 of second-degree murder for ..a woman’s shooting death at her Long Beach home, but acquitted of charges involving the woman’s husband and the couple’s 2-year-old son.

Jurors deliberated more than four days before finding John Kevin McVoy Jr., now 40, of Corona, guilty of the Jan. 10, 2017, killing of 33-year-old Susan Garcia. Jurors also found true an allegation that he personally used a handgun.

The panel acquitted McVoy of attempted murder and the lesser charge of attempted voluntary manslaughter involving the woman’s husband, Victor, who was seriously wounded, along with attempted murder and child endangerment involving the couple’s 2-year-old son, who was being held by the woman but was not injured by the gunfire.

Deputy District Attorney Irene Lee told jurors in her closing argument that there was “very strong evidence” against McVoy and urged the panel to convict him of all four charges, while defense attorney Ninaz Saffari countered that the prosecution “did not prove their case of murder, attempted murder or child endangerment beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The prosecutor told jurors that McVoy “absolutely lied to you” about previous threats he testified that Victor Garcia—with whom he was in a garage band—had made against him, and that his account of what had happened makes “no sense” when all of the other evidence is considered.

“There are no prior threats. This is all made up,” the prosecutor said

of the defendant’s claim.

“He’s the one that made this something else […] There was no imminent danger at the time,” Lee told the panel.

The prosecutor said the defendant fired “kill shots”—not warning shots—in what was “not a heated situation.”

McVoy’s attorney alleged that police “didn’t do a thorough investigation” before turning the case over to the District Attorney’s Office two days after the killing and that they “didn’t want to hear his side of the story.”

“They don’t have motive. They don’t have intent,” Saffari said of the prosecution’s case. “They haven’t proven it.”

The defense lawyer told jurors that her client is a “nice guy” who “gets along with everyone.”

In his second day on the stand, McVoy maintained that he brought the loaded handgun to the home because Victor Garcia had shown him a shotgun and “made a threat” in early December 2016.

McVoy testified that he shot Victor Garcia after the man threatened him with a can opener after making racially and politically charged comments during then-President Barack Obama’s televised farewell speech, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

McVoy testified that the gun went off again as one of Garcia’s friends struggled with him, with that shot striking Susan Garcia before one of the men beat him and another kicked him, according to the newspaper.

McVoy was arrested later the next day by Long Beach police. He has remained behind bars since then, jail records show.

He is facing a potential 40-yearto-life state prison term, with sentencing set Dec. 15 in a Long Beach courtroom.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

12