December 10, 2021 | Vol. XLIII No. 50

Signal Tribune

LA County health officials urge parents to vaccinate children before holidays

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VOL. XLIII NO. 50 COVID-19

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

Friday, December 10, 2021

LOCAL BUSINESS

CRIME

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Kevin Joerger, a substitute teacher for LBUSD, and another protester hold signs outside the LBUSD headquarters building during a Board of Education meeting on Oct. 6, 2021. Eddie F. Gonzalez was the school safety officer that shot former LBUSD student Mona Rodriguez and has since been fired.

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Long Beach resident Jeff Bartholemy gets a bandage applied after receiving his Moderna COVID-19 booster shot at the Houghton Park mobile vaccine clinic on Nov. 22, 2021.

Former Millikan High School safety officer charged with murder for fatal shooting

First case of Omicron variant detected in Long Beach tS aff eR port

City News eS rviec

Signal rT ibune

Southern California Local e N sw

On Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, the Long Beach Health Department received confirmation of its first case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with the new Omicron variant (B.1.1.529).

The individual, who was fully vaccinated and is asymptomatic, returned to Long Beach on Nov. 29, 2021, after international travel (not to the southern African region), according to the department.

The individual received their booster shot, the department told the Signal Tribune in an email.

Their close contacts were tested and none were symptomatic as of Dec. 8.

“As of now, the impact of Omicron is not fully known, but everyone is urged to reduce COVID-19 transmission by getting vaccinated or boosted, wearing masks indoors and at large outdoor events, and by getting tested when feeling sick or if exposed to COVID-19,” the department said.

It is unknown whether the Omicron variant is more contagious than the Alpha or Delta variants.

The Health Department said it believes that current vaccines will provide some protection against the new variant.

The Centers for Disease Control see OMICRON page 3

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Sokko Kong, the owner of Soapko Artisan Soaps and More, poses in front of her display inside Fair Trade Long Beach Retail Collective store on Dec. 8, 2021.

BORN IN A LONG BEACH LIVING ROOM

This eco-friendly shop offers natural soaps, candles and skincare

O Karla M. Enriquez

iD gital d E itor

ver 20 years ago, Sokko Kong, a Cambodian American woman from Long Beach, received a life-changing gift from her brother—a bar of soap embedded with the shape of a dragonfly.

The bar of soap started her fascination with the concept of natural organic soaps as a teenager, but it was her mother’s death in 2018 that propelled Kong to research her own soap-making and candle recipes.

“Going through grieving and trying to cope with that, I threw myself into soap making,” Kong said.

The result was Soapko, an eco-friendly small business that has grown into homemade candles, sugar scrubs, skin oils, bath bombs and soaps.

Soap is Kong’s most popular item, her raised honeycomb design, is the most requested and takes a whopping three weeks to make.

Kong mixes the desired ingredients and pours them into a slab mold that measures two feet, resulting in a thick brick of soap. When ready, Kong cuts each bar of soap into creamy blocks, some with patterns, others with natural coloring. see SOAPKO page 5

A former Long Beach Unified School District safety officer is set to be arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 8 on a murder charge stemming from the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old woman.

Eddie Gonzalez—who was fired by the LBUSD about a week after shooting Manuela “Mona” Rodriguez in the head Sept. 27 as she sat inside a moving car—was charged Oct. 27 with her killing.

He made his first court appearance in the case two days later and was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of $2 million bail.

Gonzalez has been in custody since his arrest Oct. 27 by Long Beach police detectives in the city of Orange.

Rodriguez was shot near Spring Street and Palo Verde Avenue, near Millikan High School, and was on life support until Oct. 5. Her family’s lawyer said her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys were donated that day, saving the lives of five people.

The young woman, who was the mother of an infant son, was in the front passenger seat of a car that was being driven away from the scene of an altercation when the shooting occurred shortly after 3 p.m. see SHOOTING page 11

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS/CULTURE • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 DINING

Long Beach will phase out temporary parklet program on 2nd Street Businesses have until Jan. 31 to express intent to apply for permanent parklets Karla M. Enriquez Dilatig Edroti

The Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to receive and file a presentation by Public Works with an update on temporary parklets on 2nd Street Tuesday night.

Some of the proposed recommendations include barring parklets on side streets when multiple violations have been documented and coordinating with businesses to remove temporary parklets when possible.

Temporary parklets were introduced to the city as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to support the economic recovery of businesses. The program is set to expire at the end of June 2022.

Temporary parklets differ from the City’s permanent parklet program, which has been in place since 2018.

According to the presentation, there are currently 25 temporary parklet locations in Belmont Shore (2nd Street, Livingston Drive to Bay Shore Avenue) and 30 participating businesses.

Since September, eight parklets

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

A parklet lines the street outside of Simmzy’s Restaurant on 2nd Street in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach on Dec. 7, 2021. have been removed in the area.

There have been 584 total responses to outreach from District 3 businesses, residents and customers—with 12 of those responses being from businesses.

Out of the 584 responses, 38% said they support the temporary parklet program, while 11% support it with restrictions.

So far, 10 out of the 12 responding businesses have expressed interest in keeping their temporary parklet through June 30, 2022, and 10 out of 12 responding businesses expressed interest in applying for a permanent parklet permit.

Existing temporary parklets are not designed to be permanent, City Traffic Engineer Carl Hickman said, noting that any modifications to a permanent status would call for a major redo.

No existing temporary parklets

have been approved to be permanent, nor will any be in the future.

Hickman estimated that the cost of permanent parklet installation could be in excess of $40,000 to $50,000, depending on design, construction and installation of safety elements.

According to responses from outreach, 83% of businesses agree that their temporary parklet helped their business recover amid health orders.

“Many guests still do not feel comfortable dining indoors but want to support local restaurants.

The outdoor dining option has allowed those people an option to still spend local,” the presentation quoted a Belmont Shore business owner saying.

Out of the 584 responses, 19% of outreach respondents said they use the Open Streets parklets once

a month while 30% said they never use them.

Some of the positive feedback during outreach includes appreciation for having an outdoor dining option.

One of the issues that has come up often, Hickman said, is parklet impacts on parking in Belmont Shore. 12% of outreach respondents cited parking impacts as a concern.

In the area, there are 517 total metered spaces, according to the presentation, with 56 stalls converted to temporary parklets, leaving 461 stalls available for parking.

One of the new proposed recommendations includes maintaining a goal to allocate no more than 3 to 7% of parking stalls to permanent parklet installations in the future.

Hickman noted that there have been many communication efforts

with the public including a virtual Belmont Shore community meeting and public and business surveys.

Other concerns that were cited during outreach include sidewalk access, driver sightlines, noise (especially on side streets) and quality of life.

Citing quality of life issues, Long Beach resident Brian Cochran urged council members to end the temporary parklet program on 2nd Street or enforce rules in the high-density neighborhood.

“It’s essential that [businesses] act as good neighbors and accept responsibility for the impact of their money-making endeavors that have cost residents so much of their quality of life,” Cochran said.

Councilmember Suzie Price suggested the creation of a written process that clearly identifies a threshold for complaints and violations for the public.

Hickman said that since the beginning of the program, the City has worked to do ongoing adjustments and address each issue on a case-by-case basis.

Some of the adjustments include removing parklets by request, making sure parklets are in the correct footprint (in front of the business) and reaffirming consent from businesses neighboring a temporary parklet—these are all also part of the newest proposed recommendations.

Businesses interested in applying for a permanent parklet must communicate intent to do so by Jan. 31 of next year.

“This is a business-friendly initiative, but it’s also an initiative that we’re trying to make resident-friendly as well,” Price said of the temporary parklets.

CULTURE

Long Beach Ballet’s magical ‘The Nutcracker’ to grace the Terrace Theatre stage Anita . W Harris

T Seroin Wrreti

he Long Beach Ballet (LBB) is preparing to stage its 39th annual holiday extravaganza, “The Nutcracker,” at the Terrace Theatre for five performances only from Dec. 17 to 19.

LBB’s Artistic Director David Wilcox—a former ballet virtuoso who cofounded LBB in 1981—said in a press statement he is “excited” to unveil his forthcoming special rendition of “The Nutcracker” to Long Beach.

“It has pyrotechnics, it has magic—it’s got everything I can think of to make it thrilling,” Wilcox said.

The rich story of “The Nutcracker”—originally based on a tale by E.T.A. Hoffman, revised by Alexander Dumas and choreographed as a ballet by Marius Petipa in 1892, with score by Russian composer Tchaikovsky—tells of young Clara, who receives an exquisite nutcrack-

er doll during her family’s grand Christmas Eve party.

At midnight, Clara dreams of the brave nutcracker leading toys to fight off an army of mice led by a ferocious mouse king. The nutcracker becomes a prince, leading Clara on a delightful journey through lands of snow and sweets, with beautiful dances from around the world.

To create that enchanted dreamscape, Wilcox brought in former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer to fabricate the set, artist Adrian Clark to fashion costumes and magician Franz Harary to invent special effects.

The production will feature a full symphony orchestra—including harpists to help play Tchaikovsky’s complete score—a flying sleigh, a live horse, pyrotechnics and a cast of over 200 ballet dancers.

“I like using the beauty of the classical art form of ballet—which has taken 500 years to develop to the level that it is today—to form a production that’s enticing and exciting,” Wilcox said.

Image by Katie Ging

A scene from Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” to be performed Dec. 17-19 at the Terrace Theatre.

LBB also promises a special guest performance and “surprise treats” for all ages. LBB’s production has a reputation for excellence. Ticket-seller Goldstar said its audiences voted LBB’s “The Nutcracker” the “best loved” production in the nation in 2018 and 2019.

“This production is not just for people who like ballet,” Wilcox said. “You can hate ballet and you’ll still like this production.”

Long Beach Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. (half-

price preview); Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday Dec. 19, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets are $34 to $78 and can be purchased at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center box office or online at LongBeachNutcracker. com.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 OMICRON

HOUSING

continued from page 1

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Two Long Beach residents hold up signs demanding changes to housing inequality during a Long Beach City Council meeting on Nov. 16, 2021.

Council approves increased protections for tenants facing substantial remodel evictions Ema m DiMaggio Magnia Edroti

The Long Beach City Council directed staff to write up an ordinance creating additional protections for renters facing substantial rehabilitation evictions at its Tuesday, Dec. 7 meeting.

Among the newly-approved protections: Landlords can face civil fines of up to $15,000, payable to their tenant, if a civil court finds that the landlord intentionally violated the City’s just-cause for eviction ordinance—meaning they issued an invalid eviction notice for substantial rehabilitation.

Property owners must notify the City when they terminate a tenancy for substantial rehabilitation construction work. (This will help the City collect its first-ever concrete dataset on these evictions.)

Landlords must give tenants a 90-day notice to vacate for any nofault just cause eviction or termination of tenancy.

Landlords must provide tenants with permanent relocation benefits of either $4,500 or the equivalent of two month’s rent, whichever is higher. (Previously, landlords only had to give one month’s rent.)

An overview of substantial rehabilitation Substantial rehabilitation runs the gamut of quality-of-life improvements. A unit may have asbestos, have mold, need infrastructural improvements or require the removal of hazardous materials.

Any kind of substantial modification—structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical that requires a permit and takes at least 30 days— can be used as a just-cause for eviction under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

But in Long Beach, some landlords made aesthetic changes to their units and claimed substantial rehabilitation as a means of evicting the tenants.

These include painting exteriors of buildings, changing cabinets, installing new tiles, removing floorboards—all illegal reasons for eviction under the TPA. Tenant protection groups in Long Beach have long called for the removal of substantial rehabilitation from the City’s just-cause ordinance altogether.

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But 82% of Long Beach’s housing stock was built before 1980. And buildings require major renovations at year 30 and more frequently after year 50.

71% of Long Beach’s housing stock is over 50 years old, according to City staff, meaning substantial rehabilitation is needed to preserve existing housing stock.

In February 2020, advocates won an amendment that requires landlords to attach building permits and plans to all eviction notices for substantial rehabilitation to prevent owners from using false pretenses to maneuver around the law.

In July 2021, the council established a temporary moratorium on substantial remodel lease terminations and evictions through Dec. 31 of this year.

City staff expects to present an ordinance with the newly-approved protections before the end of February 2022, which will then come to the council for a vote.

In the meantime, tenants facing substantial rehabilitation-related evictions will be protected by a moratorium until Feb. 28, 2022, which can be extended if the ordinance is not complete by that time.

Council votes against stronger protections due to lack of data, cost of implementation

The council had the choice of adding additional protections, such as the creation of a Tenant Habitability Program (THP) similar to Los Angeles’s.

The program would provide oversight to residential rehabilitation projects, a move meant to deter illegal evictions stemming from substantial rehabilitation projects.

The cost of the program was estimated at $2 million annually. Given the impacts of COVID-19 to the City’s bottom line, council members agreed that such a program would be financially infeasible for the time being.

A THP could also cause a trickle-down effect on tenants, City staff wrote, as landlords would be responsible for some of the program’s costs.

Since Long Beach has no existing infrastructure for the program, the costs of the program would be higher than Los Angeles and other

jurisdictions, the City wrote—potentially deterring landlords from completing substantial repairs on their properties.

“It’s just impossible for us to be able to finance any kind of new program to see if it’s worth $2 million dollars or even more,” Councilmember Roberto Uranga said.

During public comment, tenant rights groups encouraged councilmembers to create a THP—a compromise that would allow rehabilitation with City oversight.

For years, these groups have advocated for an intervention program between landlords and tenants to prevent evictions.

Councilmembers were hesitant to approve a THP because, along with associated costs, the City has no data on substantial rehabilitation evictions.

“Why isn’t the City collecting data that is related to a majority of our residents, who happen to be renters?” said Leanna Noble, interim director of Long Beach Residents Empowered.

Deputy Director of Development Services Christopher Koontz said that the City has no current reporting requirement on evictions, nor do they have a right to data from other entities.

The data-collecting portion of Tuesday’s motion will help inform the City of the extent of the problem.

During public comment, tenant advocates were also warm to an alternative to the THP: a combination of the approved protections and increased relocation assistance. “[A Tenant Habitability Program] is still the goal and hopefully you will continue working on that until you come up with the money, but in the meantime, [these protections] could make a really big difference if incorporated with [relocation assistance,]” Kayte Deioma said.

She noted that many of her neighbors would be “saved” by the increase from a 60-day to 90-day eviction notice, and that tenant relocation funds would be “even better.”

The ordinance—which includes increased tenant relocation, data collection, civil fines and an extended 90-day eviction notice—will come back to the council in early 2022.

and Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health and other commercial laboratories randomly sequence positive tests. Last month, about 47% of positive tests in Long Beach were sequenced, according to the department.

“The City, working with healthcare providers, will prioritize sequencing for individuals who are suspected to have the Omicron variant,” a department spokesperson said in an email.

The highly-contagious Delta variant remains the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Long Beach.

“The Health Department urges everyone to become vaccinated and get their boosters if eligible. The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the chance that any variant, including Omicron, can get a foothold in our community,” the department said.

In 2021 to date, 96.4% of COVID-19-related deaths in Long Beach have occurred among unvaccinated people, according to data from the Health Department.

The City offers vaccine clinics six days a week: the schedule can be found at longbeach.gov/vaxlb. No appointment is necessary at Cityrun vaccine clinics. People also may contact their healthcare provider or area pharmacies or visit myturn. ca.gov to make a vaccine appointment. Vaccines are available to

everyone 5 years old and older, regardless of immigration status, and are always free of charge.

December schedule for vaccine and booster appointments

• Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus: Parking Lot 1, corner of Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, Mondays-Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Cabrillo High School: 2001 Santa Fe Ave., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave., Mondays-Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays-Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CSULB, 6049 E. 7th St., Mondays Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Wednesdays Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Booster Only Clinics: • Long Beach City College, Veterans Stadium: 5000 E. Lew Davis Dr., Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Main Health: 2525 Grand Ave., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

All vaccine and booster clinics will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas day and Dec. 31.

Additional closure schedules available at longbeach.gov/vaxlb.

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 POLICE

City of Long Beach seeks public feedback on Citizen Police Complaint Commission Staf Repro t Silang Trenubi

T

he City of Long Beach is conducting an online survey in the weeks leading up to an evaluation of the Citizen Police Complaint Commission (CPCC) that will be presented online Dec. 14.

The results of the survey will be collected and handed over to an evaluation team, according to the City’s website.

The commission is made up of 11 members, nine of which are chosen by city council members and two of which are at-large commissioners.

The commission reviews hundreds of complaints each year.

They’re presented with evidence from investigators and deliberate behind closed doors in accordance with Section 832.7 of the California Penal Code, which guarantees the confidentiality of police personnel records.

Due to the privacy of police personnel files, commissioners are limited in what information they can receive for their deliberations.

While they do receive body-worn camera video and police reports, they can’t look at an officer’s overall personnel file.

The CPCC came under increased scrutiny during the civil unrest over police brutality that followed the murder of George Floyd last year.

During a protest in Long Beach

on June 5, 2020, Porter Gilberg, a member of the Long Beach CPCC, told the crowd that the commission has no power to hold LBPD officers accountable for misconduct.

“The commission is a farce,” Gilberg said. “I have been on this commission for a year, I have been taking very detailed notes for a day like today so I can tell you what a farce and what a joke it is. There is no accountability for the police in Long Beach.”

Gilberg alleged that the CPCC is not an oversight body, and is only able to make recommendations on the cases of police violence and police brutality presented to them.

He alleged that the commission has no power to enforce their recommendations and are allegedly never told the outcomes of individual cases.

Gilberg also alleged that evidence is often withheld from commissioners and commissioners often dismiss cases, in open session, that they have not reviewed.

Although the CPCC is required by the City bylaws to give an annual report of its activities to the mayor and City Council, it neglected to do so from 2015 to 2019.

“This commission cannot continue to be a box to check while reviewing complaints,” then-Councilmember Dee Andrews said at a June 9, 2020 council meeting. “If we are being completely honest, I have never heard from a single

commissioner or this commission more than once. I have never had a briefing from them like other commissions made it a point to do so.”

CPCC Manager Patrick Weithers told the Signal Tribune in 2020 that their inability to produce a yearly report was due to a staffing shortage.

“Over the past two years, we haven’t had a lot of staffing,” Weithers told the Signal Tribune in 2020.

“There was even one point where, before I took this current role, when I was still an investigator with the CPCC, I was literally the only investigator for quite a few months.”

According to the City’s website,

LGBTQ+

once someone submits a complaint against a member of the Long Beach Police Department it is sent to the department’s Internal Affairs Division.

The person who filed the complaint will be sent a letter confirming that LBPD has received their complaint.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be sent to the Deputy Chiefs and/or Chief of Police who will decide the disposition and what action should be taken.

After LBPD is finished with its investigation, the CPCC reviews the case.

According to Charter Sections

1150-1155, the CPCC is able to make recommendations on allegations of police misconduct to the city manager, who has final disciplinary authority.

The complainant will then be sent another letter informing them that the investigation is complete and that both reviews have been finished.

According to a July 2020 report by the City, the city manager agreed with the CPCC on 83% of complaints.

The same report said that the CPCC has sustained 224 complaints while the city manager has only sustained 31.

The city manager has also declared 553 complaints to be unfounded, while the CPCC ruled that 447 were unfounded.

Questions on the survey include “What are the pros and cons of having both LBPD Internal Affairs (IA) and CPCC conduct parallel investigations into the same complaint?” and “What are potential benefits to the City Manager receiving investigation files and finding recommendations from both CPCC and IA and what are potential downsides?”

Community members can take the survey and register to join the Zoom presentation of the CPCC evaluation by visiting the City’s website.

Residents can view the Dec. 14 presentation from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Long Beach receives perfect score on LGBTQ+ inclusion index Staf Repro t Silang Trenubi

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Annasel Dugenia and Elisabet Barrias hold each other and look at the new tower they run by nearly every morning. The pride-themed tower was burnt down in March 2021 and rebuilt and painted the same colors to be unveiled at an event on June 10, 2021.

The City of Long Beach received a perfect score this year on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, which measures the level of inclusion LGBTQ+ communities have achieved in different cities.

“It is an honor for our city to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “We are proud of our efforts and completely committed to ensuring Long Beach remains a place where everyone— regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—is welcome.”

Long Beach has received a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index ten years in a row.

The city received full marks in the five criteria for the Municipal Equality Index, which evaluates non-discrimination laws, the mu-

nicipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ equality.

According to UCLA’s Williams Institute, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area has a LGBTQ+ population of 523,000 people, which makes up 5.1% of the total population.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, a total of 110 cities received a perfect score on the 2021 Municipal Equality Index. The average score this year was 67.

Although the total score for a city cannot go over 100, Long Beach also received 11 bonus points, two of which were for having “openly LGBTQ elected or appointed municipal leaders.”

“As an openly LGBTQ+ person, I’m incredibly grateful for the work Long Beach has done to become the inclusive city we are today, and for our diverse, welcoming LGBTQ+ community,” Garcia said.

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

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • COMMUNITY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 SOAPKO

continued from page 1

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

(Above) Sokko Kong, the owner of Soapko Artisan Soaps and More, adjusts one of the seasonal soy wax candles on display inside the Fair Trade Long Beach Retail Collective store on Dec. 8, 2021. (Below) Sokko Kong, the owner of Soapko Artisan Soaps and More, holds three handmade bars of soap.

The handmade and hand-poured soaps—which include a turmeric beauty soap bar etched with varying patterns—are made with nourishing butters, oils and goat milk to moisturize skin.

Soapko products are made in Kong’s living room out of natural ingredients such as clay, dried herbs and flowers, oatmeal, coffee and turmeric. They’re also free of phthalates, a chemical usually found in cosmetics.

“It will help lessen our carbon footprint and impact on the environment,” Kong said of the importance of being sustainable, noting that everything from packaging (recyclable shrink wrap for soaps) to labels is low-waste to prevent a negative impact on the environment.

Kong’s care for the environment propelled her to use soy wax for candles as opposed to the more popular paraffin. According to Britannica, paraffin wax is obtained from petroleum byproducts.

“I tell people ‘You don’t have to buy my candles or anything like that, but just be conscious of what you’re using, especially if you’re going to breathe it in,’” she said.

Soy wax candles on the other hand have been shown to produce less soot than paraffin candles, according to The Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society.

“It has a cleaner burn,” Kong said of her soy wax candles. “It doesn’t burn up with that black smoke, if that black smoke is coming up, you’re basically breathing that into your lungs.”

Some of the scents Soapko offers include grapefruit, amber, gardenia and are made with non-toxic fragrance oils and essential oils.

Soapko’s Christmas candles, which include a frosted berry scent, feature a raised snowflake atop the 100% soy wax candle encased in a glass jar.

A nine-ounce candle has a 50hour burn time, while a four-ounce candle burns for 25 to 30 hours.

And Kong’s menu of products doesn’t stop at candles. One of her most requested products, even before the genesis of Soapko, is moisturizing body butter she started making six years ago when she lived in Seattle.

“My sister-in-law gifted me some body butter and it was the best thing in the world,” Kong said, noting the need for it because of the

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Sokko Kong, the owner of Soapko Artisan Soaps and More, holds three handmade bars of soap near her display inside the Fair Trade Long Beach Retail Collective store on Dec. 8, 2021. cold weather.

Kong spent some time figuring out how to make it and soon co-workers, friends and family back home in Long Beach began offering to pay for the product.

“When I moved back to Long Beach they were like ‘Hey, we need more body butter,’” Kong said of the popularity of the product among friends and family.

“

You don’t have to buy my candles or anything like that, but just be conscious of what you’re using, especially if you’re going to breathe it in.

-Sokko Kong, owner of Soako Artisan Soaps Today, Kong offers her signature house special organic body butter through Instagram and Fair Trade Long Beach.

In 2020, when stores weren’t fully open due to the pandemic, Kong was invited to partake in a sidewalk

sale with Fair Trade via social media. That fall she was offered a corner at the shop.

“I feel so blessed to have people reach out to me [on social media],” Kong said. “When people reach out to you online it feels different because they don’t know anything about you, they haven’t met you, but they’re still kind of taking a chance on you.”

Today, you can find Soapko’s products such as candles, body butter and soaps at Fair Trade located at 4105 N Bellflower Blvd, Unit B. Soapko will be one of the vendors at the Second Saturday’s: Polynesian Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 11.

As a Cambodian American small business owner, who has grown her business out of her home, Kong is excited about her shop’s growth.

Intent on continuing that growth, she hopes to expand into her own work space.

“It’s very humbling,” Kong said.

“I’m happy that I am able to do this and being a woman of color, going through the struggles that we had, it shows my kids, or the next generation, or whoever that you can do anything in this world.”

To inquire about pricing and keep up with Soapko, follow them on Instagram @soapko.artisan. soaps.

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • CULTURE • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 ARTS

Flux Art Space director reflects on three years of curation, debuts “Small Works in Flux” anniversary show m E ma DiMaggio

F

Managing Edirot

lux Art Space is celebrating its three-year birthday today with the opening of “Small Works in Flux: a BIG show of little works by 65 artists.”

On Friday, Dec. 3, gallery director Betsy Lohrer Hall was putting the finishing touches on the exhibition.

“Seeing how their work speaks together, that’s the fun part for me about setting up the show,” Lohrer Hall said. “Seeing how it all talks to each other.”

The pieces in the exhibition come from far and wide, but most artists have some connection to Long Beach, whether they were students in the city or longtime residents who moved abroad.

Several artists have shown their works in galleries internationally.

Others are just beginning their careers.

Spaced about a foot apart, the white walls of Flux were covered in paintings, weavings, drawings and sculptures. None are larger than a few inches in size, thus the subtitle “BIG show of little works.”

The exhibition was inspired by a John Cage exhibit she saw at MOCA, where pieces were constantly moved and rearranged throughout its viewing period.

Since pieces from the show can be purchased and taken home the same day, the exhibition will change from week to week in constant flux, like the gallery itself.

“I believe that creativity is like

a central integral part of life, not something that’s a frilly extra,” Lohrer Hall said. “It’s healing for the maker, and it’s healing for the viewer.”

Three years in flux

The show marks Lohrer Hall’s third year directing and curating at Flux Art Space—a gallery on Termino Avenue just a stone’s throw away from Plantiitas—a space that’s been her studio since 2001.

“The street was kind of quiet then,” she said.

Then, a dress shop opened. Next, the Hangout’s Family Store began holding events. The street got busy.

“I realized, there’s no point in my hiding away in here, doing art all by myself when people, the general public, anybody can walk by and enjoy art,” she said.

A series of “serendipitous events,” beginning with a remodel in 2017, ended with Flux Art Space: a studio in the back and a gallery space in the front.

“It wanted to be born,” she said.

The space opened during a year when divisiveness was thriving, and Lohrer Hall said she felt a need to “counterbalance cruelty.”

“I think understanding and honoring each other is important,” she said. “I think also underlying that is, I feel a strong need to advocate for diverse people, you know? A diverse array of perspectives.”

The gallery had a soft opening, holding small art events for the community before launching its first show: a duo of photographers, a teacher and their former student.

Later, Michael Nannery would

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Emma DiMaggio | Signal Tribune

(Above) Flux Art Space curator Betsy Lohrer Hall stands in front of pieces from the gallery’s three-year anniversary show “Small Works in Flux,” which opened Dec. 4. (Below) Pieces of ceramic and sculpture art sit at the front window of Flux Art Space. host a participatory show titled “May Your Skies Always Be Blue,” where the gallery’s large front window would be covered in art made on blue Post-It notes.

“The space with the sunlight coming through glowed blue. There was nothing else in this front space, and it just made the most beautiful, calming color,” Lohrer Hall said.

“Every show has its magical moments.”

The gallery has held talks from Black abstract artists (initiated by Lisa Diane Wedgeworth), made space for the local youth-led Art Realm Collective (curated by Brandie Lachelle Davison), showcased works exploring African spirituality and pandemic isolation—all the while creating a gathering space for the community.

“There are some people that come by almost every day. There are some kids in the neighborhood who feel comfortable that just wander in,” she said, regularly waving to residents taking a peek into the window as she spoke. “See? I love that.”

More recently, a VavNet exhibition (Annette Heully and Vav Vavrek) filled the gallery space with a massive weaving made from space blankets overlaid with video projections. The gallery was open at night to emphasize the projections.

As people passed the gallery, she saw their hesitance to enter. Some probed how much it cost to view. “‘Just go in, check it out,’” she

said. “Just knowing that it’s here, you don’t have to pay an entry fee to come in and view the work.”

Along with the goal of creating a free space for residents to enjoy art, she also wanted to connect local artists with each other.

“Being an artist is an unconventional approach to life, sometimes it’s a difficult path,” she said. “I would venture to guess a lot of artists don’t necessarily feel like they picked it, more like the path picked them.”

Shows like “Small Works at Flux” bring together artists from different backgrounds to have conversations and foster connections.

“When I’m in an art context with someone, and through conversation, we learn something new or someone discovers something and shares it, I love that,” she said. “You can’t put a label on it, but it happens, and I love that. That’s beyond

any price. It’s invaluable.”

In turn, they also create opportunities for residents to experience a broad range of artworks.

“I think that the arts in Long Beach are one of its most valuable assets. And I don’t mean monetary, I mean the arts have intrinsic value,” Lohrer Hall said. “And I hope that Long Beach as a community will be smart about continuing to support art and make space for art.

Because I think that’s part of the richness of living.”

“Small Works at Flux” will run from Saturday, Dec. 4 to Wednesday, Dec. 22. Free, timed-entry tickets are required for opening night (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and are available on Eventbrite.

The gallery is open from Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. during exhibitions and open by appointment on Fridays and Sundays.

ARTS

Signal Hill curator to present “Soulscapes: A prayer for the Journey” at Artist Coop Gallery in Long Beach Staff eR o p rt Signal Tribune

A solo exhibition by local artist Kimberly Hocking titled “Soulscapes: A prayer for the Journey” will be opening at the Artist Coop Gallery in Long Beach on Dec. 11.

The installation is the culmination of Hocking’s two-month artist residency at the gallery and explores the concepts of beauty and loss.

“I approached this residency with the idea of becoming a peaceful art warrior and the hero of my own story,” said Hocking, who currently resides in Signal Hill where she runs Greenly Art Space.

According to a statement from the artist, Hocking experiments

Courtesy Kimberly Hocking

with light, movement, and composition in her photography “to create a sense of the ethereal space between reality and imagination.”

Her sculpture and installation work often gives new life to discarded objects that she finds in the world around her.

“Soulscapes: A prayer for the Journey” deals with the sorrows

and joys each individual finds during their life.

Large photos in the exhibit reflect on the simple joys of childhood, while a piece made of burnt wood and dead leaves speaks to the death of dreams and loved ones, and how to honor those who have passed.

“I believe that art has the ability to transform the struggles we face by finding beauty in the most unlikely of places,” Hocking said.

“Soulscapes: A Prayer for the Journey” opens on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Artist Coop Gallery, located at 1330 Gladys Ave., Long Beach. Admission to the opening is free.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

By Joan Greenwood, President Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA) and Maria Norvell, Executive Director Friends of WANA

WANA and Santa Salute Our Sponsor & the Organizers of the Re-Imagined Daisy Avenue Parade

F

or those of you who are new to the area, here is a quick history lesson about Christmas Tree Lane and the dedicated volunteers who bring this southwest Wrigley tradition to life every December.

Sixty years ago, Gertrude B. Whittle dreamed of sugar plums dancing in children’s heads — a dream of lighting up Daisy Avenue and turning it into a Southern California winter wonderland. Ms. Whittle petitioned the City Council and Council of Churches to remove the trolley tracks in the center of Daisy and decorate the grass median between Hill and Pacific Coast Hwy as a Christmas Village, complete with houses, shops, trees with lights, a church and nativity scene. Ms. Whittle’s dream became a reality, and the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane (CTL) tradition began.

City Manager Sam Vickers conferred with West Long Beach organizations to share the costs for decorating trees during the holiday season. At one point, the City had recommended low growing shrubs instead of the conifers. Councilman Pat Ahern, who helped originate the CTL idea, was supportive in overturning the decision. The conifers were installed as originally planned. (In 2016 due to the drought, these trees suffered fatal harm and had to be removed.)

City employees and Edison Co. workers installed lights on 24 trees in the center of the medians. Donors, including members of West Side Lions Club, gave $507 to pay for the lights. The City contributed the trees and electrical at a cost of $2,126. Can you imagine that? Today, it costs $750 per tree just to hang the lights. The City contributed the trees and electrical at a cost of $2,126.

In the beginning, there were a variety of displays, including a beautiful nativity scene and a huge Church. The City employees made a stage, put a roof on it, and set up a manger. There is a picture of the three Norvell children with one of the historic nativity scenes. (See photo to the right).

A parade was added to CTL activities a few years later. The parade grew each year until 1977. Then, the parade was eliminated when city funding was cut after the approval of Prop 13 (1978). In 1982, the Downtown Kiwanis Club and the Wrigley Business Association, with help from the city, brought back the Parade. That year, Santa rode in a mule-drawn wagon. The mules had horns attached so they would look like reindeer.

In 2005, the City decided that some other organization would have to take over its financial responsibility for CTL, but it would continue to fund the parade. WANA was formed to ensure that this Wrigley tradition would continue through the generosity of volunteers, private donations raised

by Friends of WANA and sponsors.

In 2007 and 2011 WANA volunteers spruced up 31 major displays and 17 snow people. In 2008, WANA focused on revamping 75 character figurines including the ever-popular gingerbread people and raising money through grants and sponsorships to “Go Green” by purchasing energy-saving LED lights.

In 2019, Carpenters Local Union 562 began reconstructing one of the original displays that could no longer be repaired.

WANA is grateful that the Union stepped in to help with our restoration efforts.

7

Most of the existing displays were made

by City-employed carpenters using funds raised by Mayor Kell’s Christmas Tree Lane Committee in the late 1980s.

On October 6, 2021, the City of Long Beach planted 23 seedlings to replace the magnificent Cedar Deodars, the original Victorian Christmas trees that had to be removed due to disease and drought in 2016. Soon a drip irrigation system will be installed to ensure the new generation will survive for at least another four or five generations.

No doubt, the Lane is brighter and greener than in the past thanks to WANA volunteers, donations from our members; in-kind services by local business people; and, the generosity of our major multiyear sponsors: The Port of Long Beach, Price Transfer, Ed Van/VANCO Properties, John Deats, the Office of Supervisor Janice Hahn, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, The Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Law Offices of Keesal, Young and Logan, LB Police Officers Association, LB Grand Prix Association, Office of the 70th Assembly District Representative Patrick O’Donnell, Office of 33rd State Senator Lena Gonzales, L.B.S Credit Union, Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria, Signal Hill Petroleum, Oil Operators Inc., Joan Greenwood, LB Fire Fighters Local 372, Congressman Alan Lowenthal and the West Long Beach Association. (My apologies if I left someone out.)

To give you an idea of what the Lane is all about, it took dozens of volunteers from WANA, the Long Beach Conservation Corps, Staff from the Seventh District Council Office, Pacific Baptist Church, and the community to set up the Lane. They started in the early morning hours of November 29 and continued their labors through December 9th. With enthusiasm and holiday spirit, volunteers from all over Long Beach (1) Installed replacement light strings and checked the electrical system (2) Loaded and transported all the displays and character figurines from garages and warehouses (3) Positioned large displays on the Lane with forklifts (4) Positioned and secured 75 wooden character figurines (5) Pounded in approximately 350 fence stakes (6) Unrolled and installed about 1/2 mile of wire fencing to protect each of 31 major display bays (7) Placed up to 125 energy-efficient lights to highlight the displays (8) Tied more than 150 red bows to the fencing and (9) Produced and passed out thousands of flyers and newsletters to area residents All of the volunteer efforts ensure that the splendor of Christmas Tree Lane — Wrigley’s very own Winter Wonderland is ready for visitors come December 11, 2021

The City of Long Beach and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga, along with the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and WANA’s sponsor the Port of Long Beach, will host the 67th Annual Daisy Lane Parade on Saturday, Dec. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. This year’s newly re-imagined festivities will showcase a festive car parade through the Wrigley Neighborhood, safely bringing holiday cheer directly to residents’ doorsteps instead of the traditional early-evening parade down Christmas Tree Lane.

More information is available at longbeach.gov/daisyparade. Community members are also encouraged to join the Facebook event page at https://longbeach. gov/events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D156813433 or facebook.com/DaisyLaneLB for up-to-date information.

Celebrating Tradition The Port of Long Beach is proud to once again support the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade. Happy Holidays to all!

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 COVID

LA County health officials urge parents to vaccinate children before holidays City News Servie c Sonrehtu Caainrofl Lolac Nesw

Saying unvaccinated teens are nine times more likely to be infected with COVID-19, Los Angeles County health officials made another plea to parents to get their children inoculated ahead of the holiday season.

According to the county Department of Public Health, COVID cases among school-aged children dropped by 30% between late September and late November, but unvaccinated kids aged 12-17 were far more likely to be infected than their vaccinated counterparts.

During the final two weeks of November, two children between 5 and 11 were hospitalized due to COVID, along with eight kids aged 12-17—all of them unvaccinated, the county reported on Wednesday. The county had six confirmed cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, in October and four in November.

Overall, however, the county’s COVID numbers among children remain low, despite having more than 1.5 million children attending

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Long Beach residents line up and fill out registration information at Houghton Park to receive COVID-19 vaccines on Nov. 22, 2021.

in-person school.

“Although several parts of the country are seeing large waves of pediatric infections and hospitalizations, our experience in L.A. County has been different, with transmission decreasing here over

the past two months and relatively low numbers of pediatric hospitalizations,” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. “What we are continuing to see is that unvaccinated children are the ones getting severely

ill with COVID infections and ending up in the hospital.

“Meanwhile, county schools remain a very safe place—and in fact, we think it’s because of the outstanding preventive work our school partners are doing that we are seeing so little severe illness in children,” she said.

“As we’re headed into the winter holidays and children spend more time intermingling without schools’ protective layers of consistent mask-wearing and other control strategies, their risk of infection is going to increase. The best way to get children ready for the holidays is to get them vaccinated as soon as possible.”

The county reported another 15 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, raising the overall death toll from the virus to 27,275.

Another 1,772 new cases were confirmed, giving the county a cumulative pandemic total of 1,540,200.

According to state figures, there were 667 COVID-19-positive patients in Los Angeles County hospitals as of Wednesday, up from 650 on Tuesday, continuing a gradual

upward trend. The number of those patients being treated in intensive care was 151, up from 149 a day earlier.

The rolling average daily rate of people testing positive for the virus was 1.5% as of Wednesday.

According to the most recent figures, 83% of county residents aged 12 and over have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 74% are fully vaccinated. Of all eligible residents aged 5 and over, 76% have received at least one dose, and 68% are fully vaccinated.

Black residents continue to have the lowest rate of vaccination, with just 55% having received at least one dose. The rate is 60% among Latino/a residents, 73% among white residents and 82% among Asians.

According to the latest county figures, of the more than 6.1 million fully vaccinated people in the county, 80,445 have tested positive, or about 1.32%. A total of 2,680 vaccinated people have been hospitalized, for a rate of 0.044%, and 503 have died, for a rate of 0.008%.

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Warrants for the arrest of South Patrol Division officers Dedier Reyes and David Salcedo were issued Friday and the two voluntarily surrendered, according to the LBPD. LBPD detectives uncovered discrepancies in the police reports and surveillance video regarding a firearms arrest conducted by Reyes and Salcedo.

“Through their review, detectives learned that the officers’ actions were inconsistent with their written reports,” according to the LBPD. “The arrested subject was immediately released and charges were not filed against him.”

Police did not identify the man who was arrested by Reyes and Salcedo.

No further details regarding the arrest were released.

Reyes, a 16-year veteran of the police force, was booked on one count each of perjury, filing a false police report and filing a false government document. His bail was set at $2, and he was later released from custody on his own recognizance.

Salcedo, a five-year veteran of the force, was booked on one count each of filing a false police report and filing a false government document. His bail was set at $1.

Both officers were suspended pending the outcome of the internal affairs investigation.

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • LEGAL NOTICES • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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 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 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 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.

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 & De-

cember 3, 10, 2021 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: November 16, 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 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 TST6573 / 2021 253806 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: O’LAVI, 3315 Falcon Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: BROGYN MARIE GAGE, 3315 Falcon Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Brogyn Marie Gage. 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 19, 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 26, & December 3, 10, 17, 2021 TST6575 / 2021 249778 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. HANDSOME CATERING, 2. HEIGHTS CUISINE, 2240 N. Legion Dr., Unit 202, Signal Hill, CA 90755. Registrant: JONATHAN BALTAZAR, 2240 N. Legion Dr., Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Jonathan Baltazar. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in September, 2013. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 15, 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 26 & December 3, 10, 17, 2021 TST6574 Case No. 21CHCP00425 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, CHATSWORTH COURTHOUSE, 9425 PENFIELD AVE., CHATSWORTH, CA 01311 PETITION OF: ANNETTE GONZALES BUSTOS TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Annette Gonzales Bustos has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: ANNETTE GONZALES BUSTOS to Proposed Name: TWIGGY GONZALES BUSTOS 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 18, 2022; 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 SIG-

NAL TRIBUNE, 1860 Obispo Ave., Ste. F, Signal Hill, CA 90755, November 26 & December 3, 10, 17, 2021 ___//ss//___Davis B. Gelfound, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: November 22, 2021 TST6577 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. CA-21-892929-BF Order No.: 210464393-CA-VOI YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 8/14/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below.

The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): JOSEPH L CALLIER, AN UNMARRIED MAN Recorded: 8/23/2007 as Instrument No. 20071977762 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California; Date of Sale: 1/4/2022 at 10:00 AM Place of Sale: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA 91766 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $391,729.62 The purported property address is: 2240 N Legion Drive Unit 207, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 Assessor’s Parcel No.: 7215-003-040 Legal Description: Please be advised that the legal description set forth on the Deed of Trust is in error. The legal description of the property secured by the Deed of Trust is more properly set forth and made part of Exhibit “A” as attached hereto. A CONDOMINIUM COMPOSED OF: A) AN UNDIVIDED 1/27TH INTEREST IN AND TO LOT 1 OF TRACT NO. 32193, IN THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 893 PAGES 93 AND 94 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT THEREFROM UNITS 1 TO 27 INCLUSIVE AS DEFINED AND DELINEATED ON A CONDOMINIUM PLAN RECORDED NOVEMBER 15, 1978 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 78-1273419 OFFICIAL RECORDS EXCEPT THEREFROM ALL OIL, GAS, MINERALS, AND OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES LYING BELOW THE SURFACE OF SAID LAND, BUT WITH NO RIGHT OF SURFACE ENTRY AS PROVIDED IN DEEDS OF RECORD. B) UNIT 17 AS DEFINED AND DELINEATED ON THE ABOVE REFERENCED CONDOMINIUM PLAN. 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 916939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website

http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-21-892929-BF. 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: 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 916-939-0772, or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-21-892929-BF 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. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: Quality Loan Service Corporation 2763 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 916-939-0772 Or Login to: http://www. qualityloan.com Reinstatement Line: (866) 645-7711 Ext 5318 Quality Loan Service Corp. TS No.: CA-21-892929-BF IDSPub #0175640 12/3/2021 12/10/2021 12/17/2021 TST6578 / 2021 256252 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: JUST NICE CREATIONS, 18723 Via Princessa 335, Santa Clarita, CA 91387.

Registrant: LISA MCWILSON, 18723 Via Princessa, Santa Clarita, CA 91387. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Lisa McWilson. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in September, 2021. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 23, 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: December 3, 10, 17, 24, 2021 TST6581 Case No. 21LBCP00373 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: NATI TEWOLDE TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Nati Tewolde has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: NATI TEWOLDE Proposed Name: NATHANIEL SOLOMON 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

9

13, 2022; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept. 526. 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, December 3, 10, 17, 24, 2021 ___//ss//___ Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: November 30, 2021 TST6576 Case No. 21LBCP00369 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia, 1 st Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802 PETITION OF: CRYSTAL RANSOM TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Crystal Ransom has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: CRYSTAL RANSOM Proposed Name: CHRYSTAL JEAN SMOCK 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 7, 2022; Time: 8:30a.m., Dept. 27. 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 26 & December 3, 10, 17, 2021 ___//ss//___ Mark Kim, Judge of the Superior Court Dated: November 24, 2021 TST6595/Order No: 10388 Auto Lien Sale On 12/27/2021 at 6821 CRENSHAW BLVD LOS ANGELES,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2019 HARLEY DAV VIN: 1HD1KTP31KB608230 STATE: LA LIC: at 10 AM

Pets of the week:

Nora, Ezra and Koda These three little kittens have a lot more on their minds than mittens. They have been working hard on their initial bashfulness so that they’ll be friendly, cuddly, playful and ready for their new home, or homes! And they are! Actually, boys Ezra (brown tabby scrunched up in back) and Koda (flame-point Siamese-type on right) and their sister, Nora (silver tabby on left), are 8 months old and are not so little anymore, but they’re still kittens and have a lot of years to spend playing with and purring for loving humans.

Shelter adoptions are conducted through appointment, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach. gov to meet the three not-so-little kittens. Ask for ID#A662263 for Nora, ID#A662265 for Ezra and ID#A662264 for Koda. (This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • LEGAL NOTICES • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE Thursday, December 2

5:56 p.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1900 block Orizaba Ave.

Friday, December 3

11:15 p.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1000 block E. 32nd St.

Saturday, December 4

12:24 a.m., Disorderly conduct; intoxicated drug with alcohol; obstruct/resist Executive Officer; public urination & defecation, 2500 block Palm Dr. (suspect arrested) 12:15 p.m., Identity theft, 1800 block Temple Ave. 5:12 p.m., Auto burglary, 2500 block Cherry Ave.

Sunday, December 5

12:51 a.m., Battery on Spouse/Co-habitant, 3200 block E. PCH (suspect arrested)

Monday, December 6

12:58 a.m., Obstruct/resist Police Officer, 2500 block Palm Drive (suspect arrested) 12:58 a.m., Battery, 2500 block Palm Drive (suspect arrested) 4:11 p.m., Elder abuse, 1900 block Molino Ave.

Tuesday, December 7

3:44 p.m., Grand theft, 2400 block Cherry Ave. 8:03 p.m., Burglary, 2700 block Cherry Ave.

Wednesday, December 8

1:51 a.m., Auto burglary, E. PCH/Obispo Ave. 4:11 a.m., Stolen vehicle – recovered, 1800 block E. Willow St. 8:32 a.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1600 block E. Spring St. 9:37 a.m., Burglary, 2800 block of Gardena Ave. LBPD reporting area is too extensive to report here.

TST6582 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 17-48690 APN: 7211-004-033 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 3/16/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale.

Trustor: KIMBERLY BLUE, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN Duly Appointed Trustee: ZBS Law, LLP fka Zieve, Brodnax & Steele, LLP Deed of Trust recorded 3/21/2007, as Instrument No. 20070636444, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 1/13/2022 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: Vineyard Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $518,448.69 Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt owed. Street Address or other common designation of real property: 2535 CALIFORNIA AVE, 1 SIGNAL HILL, California 90755-3306 Described as follows: As more fully described on said Deed of Trust A.P.N #.: 7211-004-033 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.

If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. 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 (855) 9763916 or visit this Internet Web site www. auction.com, using the file number assigned to this case 17-48690. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: 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 “eligi-

ble 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 (855) 976-3916, or visit this internet website tracker.auction.com/sb1079, using the file number assigned to this case 17-48690 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.

Dated: 12/2/2021 ZBS Law, LLP fka Zieve, Brodnax & Steele, LLP, as Trustee 30 Corporate Park, Suite 450 Irvine, CA 92606 For Non-Automated Sale Information, call: (714) 848-7920 For Sale Information: (855) 976-3916 www.auction.com _________________________________ Michael Busby, Trustee Sale Officer This office is enforcing a security interest of your creditor. To the extent that your obligation has been discharged by a bankruptcy court or is subject to an automatic stay of bankruptcy, this notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a demand for payment or any attempt to collect such obligation.

EPP 33696 Pub Dates 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2021 TST6597 APN: 7273-018-006 TS No: CA07000241-21-1 TO No: 210502734-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 September 19, 2007. 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 February 3, 2022 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 September 26, 2007 as Instrument No. 20072217292, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed

by NOEMI A. LORICO, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of SUN WEST MORTGAGE COMPANY, 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: 422 & 424 EAST 9TH STREET, LONG BEACH, CA 90813-4411 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 $364,470.94 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section

5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right.

The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call In Source Logic at 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, CA07000241-21-1.

Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet 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 CA07000241-211 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: December 3, 2021 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA07000241-21-1 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 78907, Pub Dates: 12/10/2021, 12/17/2021, 12/24/2021, SIGNAL TRIBUNE TST6594/Order No: 10433 Auto Lien Sale On 12/27/2021 at 3229 E IMPERIAL HWY INGLEWOOD,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2020 VOLKSWAGEN VIN: 3VWCB7BU4LM072365 STATE: CA LIC: 8TLV789 at 10 AM

WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • LEGAL NOTICES/NEWS • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 TST6588 / 2021 247408 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: FASTBENDRIGHT, 1941 San Anseline Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90815. Registrant: FASTBENDER LLC,1941 San Anseline Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90815, a limited liability company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Ramon Clyde Dawson, President of FASTBENDER LLC. 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 10, 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: December 10, 17, 24, 31, 2021 TST6589 / 2021 254059 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: M CASTELLANO PRODUCE, 746 S Central Ave A1 31/32, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Registrant: Manuel D Castellano Agreda, 2024 E El Segundo Blvd, Compton, CA, 90222. Mailing Address: 2024 E El Segundo Blvd, Compton, CA, 90222.

This business is conducted by: an individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Manuel D Castellano Agreda, 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 November 19, 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: December 10, 17, 24, 31, 2021 TST6590 / 2021 254052 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: FLOGAR TRUCKING, 6475 Altantic Ave, SPC 501, Long Beach, CA, 90805.

Registrant: Antonio Flores Castro, 6475 Atlantic Ave, SPC 50, Long Beach, CA, 90805. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Antonio Flores Castro. 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 19, 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: December 10, 17, 24, 31, 2021

TST6593 Notice of Public Lien Sale Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of the California Self-Storage Facility Act Code, Section #21700, the undersigned will be sold by public auction at: Storco Self Storage, 3050 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807, County of Los Angeles, and State of California.

Auction date of: December 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Terms of sale: Cash sale, all sales are final and purchased at buyers own risk. No guarantees or warranty of any sale are promised by seller. Storco Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid or cancel auction. Facility owner or its representatives has the right to bid on any and all units or stop sale at any time. Name of auctioneer: Climers Auction Services. The following units are scheduled for sale: Unit # & Customer Name: Unit # B082/Lucina Villegas-Ortiz - Unit # C195/Tanisha Morgan - Unit# E075/Moises Godoy – Unit contents may include but are not limited to: Electronics, furniture, appliances, garage items, toys, clothing, sporting goods, tools, automotive and miscellaneous household goods, unless otherwise stated. Publish Dates: 012/10/2021 & 12/17/2021.12/24/2021, SIGNAL TRIBUNE TST6596 / 2021 249825 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: LEZAMA LOGISTICS, 11909 Hawthorne Blvd., #233, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Registrant: LEZAMA LOGISTICS INC., 11909 Hawthorne Blvd., #233, Hawthorne, CA 90250. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Luis R. Mendoza Lezama. 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 15, 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: December 10, 17, 24, 31, 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

SHOOTING

continued from page 1

LIVES LIVED

Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune

Members of the family of Mona Rodriguez listen to a BlueTooth speaker broadcasting the public comments from a Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education meeting on Oct. 6, 2021. p.m.

Long Beach police responding to the scene found the woman with at least one gunshot wound.

“It’s an unfortunate, unnecessary death that left a 6-month-old without a mother, a family without a daughter, and clearly a tremendous loss to our entire community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said while announcing the murder charge against Gonzalez at a news conference in October.

Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna said detectives determined that the school safety officer was driving on patrol when he saw a physical altercation between Rodriguez and a 15-year-old girl occurring in the lanes of traffic.

Rodriguez was accompanied by a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy “whose level of participation is still under investigation,” according to the police chief.

When Rodriguez, the man and the boy attempted to flee in a fourdoor sedan, the school safety officer approached the car and discharged his weapon as the driver began driving away, Luna said.

“Mona was in the front passenger seat of the vehicle and was struck by the gunfire,” the police chief said.

Video of the shooting posted online appears to show the officer firing at least two shots at the car.

The county’s top prosecutor lauded the Long Beach Police Department for conducting a “very complex investigation in record time.”

“There is obviously a lot of video,” Gascon said. “The videos only tell a part of the story so we have to go beyond that, and that is the work that the Long Beach Police Department did.”

Along with reviewing video footage, investigators also canvassed the area and interviewed witnesses, the city’s police chief told reporters.

Luna said the highly publicized shooting “really impacted our community heavily,” and called the ensuing investigation and criminal case “just a step in trying to bring some closure to this very unfortunate and impactful incident not only to our city, but the family, the Rodriguez family.”

Shortly after the announcement that the former school safety officer had been charged, one of the woman’s brothers, Oscar Rodriguez, told reporters that it was the “first step of justice and hopefully our healing process.”

“I’ve waited a long time for something that is pretty obvious, but I guess this is how the justice system works,” he said.

In a letter sent to Gascon earlier urging charges against the officer, an attorney for the woman’s family wrote that “various videos of the incident were captured by bystanders showing Officer Gonzalez taking reckless action when he shot into a moving vehicle and gravely injured” the woman.

“This officer had no justification to use deadly force against Ms. Rodriguez because Ms. Rodriguez did not pose an imminent threat to the officer when she was shot by the officer,” attorney Luis Carrillo wrote in the letter to Gascon.

“The actions of this officer constitute a serious violation of state and federal constitutional rights. The unjustified use of deadly force by this officer also meet the threshold for criminal charges against the officer for murder or for manslaughter.”

On Oct. 6, the school district announced that Gonzalez had violated district policies on use of force and had been fired.

“After our internal review, we clearly saw areas where the employee violated district policy and did not meet our standards and expectations,” LBUSD Superintendent Jill Baker said.

“We believe the decision to terminate this officer’s employment is warranted, justified and quite frankly, the right thing to do.

“The use-of-force policy used by our school safety office states officers shall not fire at a fleeing person, shall not fire at a moving vehicle and shall not fire through a vehicle window unless circumstances clearly warrant the use of a firearm as a final means of defense. Again, based on our review, we believe our internal policy was violated.”

It is unclear whether Gonzalez is the first school safety officer to be charged with murder. Gascon said prosecutors were not able to find any other school safety officers who had faced a murder count, but added, “That’s not to say that it hasn’t occurred before.”

The Long Beach Unified School District and the former safety officer were sued Wednesday, Dec. 8

by Rodriguez’s mother.

Manuela Sahagun, mother of Rodriguez, brought the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging wrongful death, excessive force, negligence and civil rights violations. She seeks unspecified compensatory damages against the district and the former officer, Eddie Gonzalez, plus punitive damages against Gonzalez.

Mark Pogas 73 Marilyn Rose 78 Ellen Martin 81 James Busch 73 Kathy Stillman Sanchez 69 Sharon Beard 77 Ronald Eomunan 79 Versie Brooks 84 Billy Bolin Jr 65 Joseph Perez 95 Kenneth Williams Jr 79 Kimberly Hokanson 58 Ronde Winkler 82 John Vestman 69 Cheryl Candow 74 Jade Bertram 23 Shirley Carlier 85 Joanna Zavala 33 The families were assisted by McKenzie Mortuary.

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TST6591 / 2021 254054 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: OPERATION TRANSPORTATION, 5540 Quinn Street 25, Bell Gardens, CA, 90201.

Mailing Address: 19009 S Laurel Park Rd SPC 60, Rancho Dominguez, CA, 90220.

Registrant: A&H PROJECTS DESIGNED, 19009 S Laurel Park, SPC 60, Rancho Dominguez, CA, 90220. This business is conducted by: a Corporation. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: A&H PROJECTS DESIGNED President, Emilio Hernandez Lopez. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in October 2020. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 19, 2020. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: December 10, 17, 24, 31, 2021.

TST6592 / 2021 250910 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: (1) 4JS LEGAL SERVICES and (2) 4J’S LEGAL SERVICES, 14158 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA, 90723. Registrant: GINA GAMINO, 2053 Garvey Ave North, West Covina, CA, 91791. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Gina Gamino. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in August 2013. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 16, 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: December 10, 17, 24, 31, 2021

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WWW.SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

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