April 2, 2021 | Vol. XLIII No. 14

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Signal Tribune

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VOL. XLIII NO. 14

April 2, 2021

SIGNAL HILL

ARTS

SIGNAL HILL’S NEW PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN

Image Courtesy Ms. Yellow

Pictured above is one of the pieces of art created by Ms. Yellow, who was invited by the Arts Council to paint panels at Park’s Antiques on 4th Street.

Google Maps

Signal Hill City Council approved the City’s first Parks and Recreation Masterplan since 1989. Above is Hilltop Park, located in Signal Hill, which is just one of the City’s many recreational areas.

Proposed ten-year plan includes more green space, renovations for both ampitheatre and community center Anita W. Harris

S

Senior Writer

ignal Hill’s 10-year look ahead in how to meet its residents’ parks-and-recreation needs will soon start becoming reality.

The City Council approved a new 2021-2031 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) last month calling for upgraded park facilities and new park spaces.

The council also approved develop-

ing a companion Prioritization and Implementation Plan (PIP) to determine the order of project development over the next decade. The council will approve a final PIP list in June.

Community Services Director Ali Mancini said this is Signal Hill’s first PRMP since 1989. That 20-year plan had established a goal of one acre of parkland for every 1,000 residents, she told the council on Feb. 9.

Accordingly, Signal Hill has created several parks over the past 32

years, Mancini said, including Discovery Well Park, Hilltop Park, the Hilltop-neighborhood trail system and the Signal Hill Dog Park. The City is currently developing a new View Park at Cherry Avenue and E. Burnett Street.

The City decided to create a brandnew PRMP following a needs-assessment in 2017, hiring consulting firm GreenPlay in November 2018 to develop a draft.

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved that PRMP draft in June 2019, but City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn asked for a review of “impact fees” the City collects from developers of new City projects to make sure they cover the costs of developing proposed park facilities, Mancini said.

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a revised PRMP draft in

January 2021 after a COVID-19 delay.

The commission also approved creating the companion PIP. “Though the PRMP provides a solid high-level look at the next 10 years, it was prudent to take a deeper dive, so to speak, in refining the goals of the master plan,” Mancini said.

The PIP also allows staff to sort through prior planning recommendations to identify which are still relevant, which need refining and which are now obsolete, Mancini added.

The Parks and Recreation Commission hosted a community meeting on March 17 to discuss the PIP, resulting in the following list of prioritized projects for the next 10 years, pending council approval, Mancini told the Signal Tribune: see PARKS MASTER PLAN page 4

COVID-19

Long Beach moves into Orange Tier, issues new health order

Staff Report Signal Tribune

The City of Long Beach Health and Human Services Department has issued an updated Health Order, effective as of 12:01 a.m. on April 1, as Long Beach enters the Orange (Moderate) Tier, the third of four tiers outlined under the State’s Blueprint for a Safer

Economy.

“We’re making significant progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and our move into the Orange Tier is a reflection of our efforts,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “As we expand additional business operations, it’s our shared responsibility to continue to abide by the protocols and safety measures that keep us all safe.”

According to a press release by the City, the following revisions were made to the Health Order: •Restaurants may increase indoor capacity from 25% to 50% of maximum occupancy, or 200 people, whichever is fewer.

-Brewpubs, breweries, bars, pubs, craft distilleries and wineries without a City restaurant permit may operate in-

doors at the increased restaurant capacity only if the bar sells alcohol in the same transaction as a bona fide meal provided by a City-approved meal provider.

•Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries, where no meal service is provided, may operate indoors and outdoors without serving meals. Indoor capacity

Arts Council for Long Beach reflects on a year of challenges and sets a hopeful tone at its State of the Arts 2021 Karla M. Enriquez Digital Editor

M

uch like it has done throughout the pandemic, the Arts Council For Long Beach didn’t let art take a back seat and opted to present its State of the Arts 2021 virtually.

Founded in 1973 by the City of Long Beach as the Public Corporation for the Arts, the Arts Council has evolved into an organization that helps create a thriving arts scene in the city.

Their mission is to “foster creativity and culture, enliven communities and enable a thriving creative economy.”

The Tuesday, March 30 virtual presentation represented that mission to local audiences tuning in through Facebook Live–brimming with musical performances and other visual art forms.

Hosted by entertainer and personality Jewels Long Beach, the hour-long event garnered enthusiastic interaction from its 60+ plus viewers who engaged through comments often cheering on other artists.

In a presentation by Executive Director Griselda Suarez, it was revealed that in the first few weeks of the pandemic, art partners reported a loss of

see ORANGE TIER page 2

see STATE OF THE ARTS page 2

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ARTS

Signal Tribune

April 2, 2021

State of the Arts continued from page 1

LIVES LIVED

Antonio Comacho 25 Steven Huston 72 Fernando Hernandez Martinez 59 Dolores Petery 92 Robert Eastwood 54 William Battle 85 Clarence Davis 90 Carlos Rivera 83 George Tadlock 56 Sara Kimm 54 Robert Lytle 53 Bart Bills 66 William Armstrong 78 JoAnne Diamond 77 Anthony Turack 78 The families were assisted

by McKenzie Mortuary.

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

Pet of the week:

Bebe

Guten tag! Meet Bebe, a 6-year-old German shepherd who actually understands German! She’s pure black and gorgeous. The person who relinquished Bebe to the shelter had heard from her previous owner that she knows many commands in English and in German. Shelter staff and volunteers have indeed seen her in action responding to German commands! She’s been well trained, is housebroken, and has some protection training. She’s also playful— that ball is her favorite thing!

She has a few medical issues, but they’re manageable. Bebe would do best as the only pet in the house, as she prefers people to other dogs. If you take her home, she’ll surely say “Danke!” Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach. gov to meet Bebe. Ask for ID#A654354 (This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

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ICT’s 2021 season whether virtually or “hopefully soon in person.”

Bringing virtual entertainment to viewers, the Arts Council showcased some of the artistic talent found within its registry with performances by the Tatiana Tate Quartet, Jennifer Kumiyama’s rendition of “A Journey to the Past” and a culminating dance performance by The CRayProject.

Before ending the program, the Arts Council took time to reflect on the 2020 uprising that took place due to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and how art was used to uplift during this time.

“On May [31], honey we erupted in protest about social injustice, systematic racism, police brutality, and so much more that is going on in our country,” Jewels said. “The people of Long Beach and our artistic community took to the streets.”

Jewels acknowledged the boarded up businesses and buildings that were turned into murals throughout the city by local artists noting that steps are being taken to preserve those pieces of art.

“These protest panels are a very unique look into our feelings at the time. Amazing panels with Black legends, with social justice figures, with children holding flowers, with rainbows splashing across town.”

Photographer Jose Cordon also known as Dead End Brigade was one of the artists hired by the Arts Council to create art that would uplift during this time.

“Many of us weren’t out there for the money,” Cordon said of the opportunity. “It felt more like a calling, like an obligation, it made me think of the Great Depression when artists were called upon, and they were out there working. We were the messengers and the conveyors, of some kind of message of hope to uplift people.”

With this same kind of hope, Suarez reflected on a 2020 full of challenges and looked forward to a new year of possibilities.

“2020 was a year that redefined us, we worked harder at advocacy, we worked harder at finding grants and we worked harder to connect artists to the community,” she said. “We all needed some illumination in our lives, some moments to relieve stress. And now artists and performers are ready to recuperate our lives, to help us heal and become stronger. This year 2021, we look forward to seeing you in the streets, in the neighborhoods, at the galleries and museums.”

To donate, learn more about the Arts Council for Long Beach, or join the artist registry, visit artslb.org.

ment ceremonies may take place, provided adherence to State guidelines.

•Museums, Galleries, Aquariums and Botanical Gardens may operate indoors and outdoors with increased indoor capacity from 25% to 50% of maximum occupancy.

•In-Person Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies may operate indoors with increased indoor capacity from 25% to 50%. Back office staff and management may operate in person.

•Movie Theaters may increase indoor capacity from 25% to 50% of maximum occupancy, or 200 people, whichever is fewer.

•Outdoor Live Events (sports and live performances) may operate, beginning April 1, under the following restrictions and other State requirements.

Indoor events remain prohibited.

-Capacity is limited to 33% of maximum occupancy.

-Limited to in-state visitors only.

-Venues may increase attendance capacity to 67% of maximum occupancy only if all guests provide a negative test result within 72 hours prior to attendance, or show proof of full vaccination.

•Non-Critical Office Worksites may

open indoors with modifications. Telework is strongly encouraged.

•Youth and Adult Recreational Sports, including various outdoor low-, moderate-, and high-contact sports and indoor low-contact sports identified by the State, may resume with modifications.

•Family Entertainment Centers may operate indoors and outdoors. Indoor capacity is limited to 25% of maximum occupancy, with groups consisting of members of the same household only. Indoor operations are limited to naturally-distanced activities such as indoor bumper cars, indoor batting cages, bowling alleys, escape rooms, virtual reality and kiddie rides.

•Amusement and Theme Parks may resume indoor and outdoor operations, beginning April 1, with modifications, including total park occupancy of 25% for both indoor and outdoor operations, in addition to other State requirements.

For additional information, business owners can call the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249), Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Businesses are required to understand and follow all safety measures laid out in the Health Order.

continued from page 1

P E AC E C O R P S .G OV/ WO R K

Bob’s

Image Via Facebook Live

Jewels Long Beach hosted the State of the Arts 2021. Jewels is a prominent entertainer and personality who detailed her own struggles as an artist through the pandemic.

Orange Tier

Connect with a Recruiter to Learn More

June 27-July 7, 2021

over $1 million from program-related revenue.

Additionally, organizations reported a loss of $4.28 million from cancelled fundraisers and contributions after a spring and summer of closures.

“As an arts council we continued our regular work,” Suarez said in the presentation noting that the Arts Council annual grant program awarded over $240,000 to artists.

Wanting to keep art alive during the Safer at Home order, the Arts Council held over 80 virtual events totaling over 10,000 views.

“We knew that this was just not enough,” Suarez said. “We understand arts funds aren’t merely supporting a performance or a visual arts experience. Arts grants are an investment in real change and positive growth within our city.”

As of 2021, the public art map located on the Arts Council website had 816 total entries and 500+ art kits were distributed to schools and parks in 2020.

By the end of summer 2020 the Arts Council raised over $50,000 in private funds for individual funding to artists and performers who needed it most, the executive director noted. An additional $35,000 in micro-grants was also awarded.

According to the presentation, there were $1.525 million in grants to support arts and culture during the pandemic.

One of the art organizations affected by pandemic closures was International City Theater (ICT). Its Artistic Director Caryn Desai lamented the general loss of jobs, artists, teachers and some of the ICT staff as well as losses in earned revenue such as ticket sales when theaters went dark in early 2020.

“We had to rethink things,” Desai said of their programming, making mention of the Summer Youth Conservatory with a focus on acting and playwriting that had to take place online.

Also taking place online in Nov. 2020 was “Daisy,” a timely play about politics that Desai cast in February.

“The loss in serving in what our mission is to entertain, educate and provoke thoughtful dialogue through live professional theater is the hardest part to accept,” Desai said.

Offering a glimmer of hope, Desai noted that she has committed to

is limited to 25% of maximum occupancy, or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

•Bars, where no meal service is provided, may operate outdoors. Bars may operate indoors only if bona fide meals are served under restaurant protocols.

-Indoor operations of bars that do not serve bona fide meals remain prohibited.

•Gyms and Fitness Centers may increase indoor capacity from 10% to 25% of maximum occupancy. Indoor pools may open, with modifications.

Indoor hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms must remain closed.

•Retail Establishments, including shopping centers, malls and swap meets, may operate at normal capacity without restrictions. Shopping centers with restaurants and other food facilities may operate in accordance with the updated restaurant protocols.

•Public and Private K-12 Schools may offer in-person graduation and commencement ceremonies, provided adherence to State guidelines.

•Institutes of Higher Education may resume in-person instruction limited to 50% of maximum occupancy or 200 people per class, whichever is fewer.

In-person graduation and commence-

COMMENTARY

April 2, 2021

Signal Tribune

HISTORICAL COMMENTARY

The First Black Miss Universe Contestant Hardly Anyone Knows About Claudine Burnett

A

Local Historian

little recognized piece of Black history took place in Long Beach in 1957. It was largely ignored by most media, except the Los Angeles Sentinel, an African American owned newspaper. True, there was much “action” in that year’s Miss Universe and Miss USA contests—it was the first year a Miss USA wouldn’t be in the Miss Universe pageant. The new Miss USA, Leona Gage, was disqualified when it was shown she was married, and it was found out too late for the runner up, Charlotte Sheffield, to compete. When 18-year-old Peruvian Gladys Zender was crowned “Miss Universe 1958” everything seemed fine. Later it was discovered the newly crowned world queen was under the age limit. Amidst all of this, the fact that the first Black contestant, Miss Martinique, was competing should have been major news, but it wasn’t.

On July 25, 1957, Sentinel columnist Stanley Robertson wrote that the daily press, wire services, radio, and television completely ignored the “biggest story” to come out of the dissension ridden Miss Universe pageant.

Robertson believed it was a story with much greater international implication than a married Miss USA or a too-young-to-be-a-Miss Universe. It was a story that showed that racial discrimination was alive in America, regrettably inflicted upon a young West Indian woman from Port-of-France, Martinique, who really believed that she had a chance to become Miss Universe.

It was in 1951 that Catalina Swimwear, the sponsor of the Miss America contest (which started there in 1921), became upset that Atlantic City officials were now concentrating more on talent than beauty. They decided to sponsor a new contest focused on beauty (and Catalina swimsuits) that would encompass not only America (with a newly created Miss USA contest) but the world—the Miss Universe pageant. They chose Long Beach, California, as the site of both the Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions.

Since then photography and publicity has had much to say in who would be crowned the world’s most beautiful woman.

For some reason, Robertson wrote, when the Sentinel tried to interview Ginette for an article, they were told by officials that “Miss Martinique doesn’t speak any English, so unless you speak French, you’re wasting your time talking to her.” When the reporter replied that he could get a translator, the phone was hung up.

During the gala events leading up to the contest, Robertson reported that Ginette’s photo didn’t appear as often as the other contestants. Robertson stated, she wasn’t one of those who was “being catered to” by contest

Image Courtesy Claudine Burnett

Ginette Cidalise-Montaise, 1957 Miss Universe Contestant. officials who somehow “managed” to see to it that the girls representing the larger European countries were given the most publicity and made the most accessible to members of the press. Another reporter told Robertson; “That girl (Miss Martinique) was so badly treated that I heard many reporters and photographers mention it.

Whenever we tried to get her in some pictures with some of the favorites in the contest, somebody connected with the contest always managed to see to it that she was asked to do something else.”

Probably the worst insult came the day that photographers covering the contest voted on the contestant they felt to be the “most photogenic.” After the balloting had been allegedly completed, it was discovered that Miss Martinique had received more first place votes than any other contestants.

However, a hurried “conference” of

contest officials resulted in a re-count.

The balloting still came out the same; Miss Martinique was the winner. Another hurried “conference” was called.

This time the result was different. Officials ruled that Miss Germany was the actual winner because Miss Martinique didn’t have enough second and third place votes. As the Sentinel pointed out—A strange way to judge a contest!

Following this re-writing of the rules, the Sentinel received a call stating that what “a dirty shame” it was that Miss Martinique was being treated so poorly by people in Long Beach.

Sentinel reporter Stanley Robertson agreed and once more went to Long Beach for an attempted interview.

After several hours of trying, he got through to Mrs. Joseph Canning, Miss Martinique’s hostess. When he asked to speak to Miss Montaise, he was again told she didn’t speak English.

Robertson then revealed he spoke French and Mrs. Canning allowed him to speak to the young woman, who spoke better English than the officials wanted people to believe. Ginette told him in English that she liked the United States but she wanted to go home.

When asked if she had been treated fairly, she said: “Well, I…” at which point Mrs. Canning interrupted saying Miss Montaise didn’t understand the question. At that point the interview was concluded, Mrs. Canning stating it was time for Miss Martinique to “get ready” for the final judging that night, even though she was not in the group of 15 girls in the final competition.

When Robertson and his photographer went to the auditorium and tried to get a photo of Miss Martinique and the newly crowned Miss Universe, he was told “very gruffly” to “move along.” Robertson tried again to contact Miss Montaise and was told by officials that she had already left for home. This was strange, Robertson wrote, since she had told him she wouldn’t be leaving the country until later.

Not one to give up, Robertson asked several contestants what their feeling was concerning the treatment given Miss Martinique and each one replied that they had felt very sorry for the young woman. A local radio broadcaster later told him that he had heard that several countries which might be sending non-white girls to the contest in the future were thinking about withdrawing.

The brown skinned 18-year-old, Ginette Cidalise-Montaise, the first “Miss Martinique” to ever enter the six-year-old contest, hadn’t realized that prejudice and racism, something she had never experienced at home or in Europe, awaited her in America.

Neither had her country. Martinique did not send a contestant to the Miss Universe pageant again until 1981.

In 1959 the Los Angeles Sentinel held its own contest to find a local African American woman to enter the Miss California competition, a precursor to the Miss USA and Miss Universe contests. Jackie McGinnis was the Los Angeles winner, and though she wasn’t chosen Miss California, the Sentinel felt African Americans had made major strides in breaking through the race barrier.

In 1977 Miss Trinidad, Janelle Penny Commissiong, would become the first woman of African ancestry to be crowned Miss Universe; in 1983 Vanessa Williams the first African American winner of the Miss America contest; in 1990 Carole Anne-Marie Gist became the first African American Miss USA. Claudine Burnett’s newest book, “African Americans in Long Beach and Southern California: A History” is available for purchase at claudineburnettbooks.com and from the Historical Society of Long Beach.

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FROM OUR ONLINE READERS: LETTERS, EMAILS, COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS In response to the Signal Tribune question “As schools start to reopen, are you looking forward to seeing your children return to school?”

“

Yes! My kindergartner has never been inside a real school or classroom yet! He’s excited!

”

– @zbazp via Instagram

In response to: ‘Vice Mayor Rex Richardson to propose the naming of Houghton Park Community Center after community icon Doris Topsy-Elvord’

“

I am not diminishing the contributions of Doris Topsy-Elvord or anyone else. But I think the Houghton Park Community Center should be named just that: Houghton Park Community Center. The name identifies the location and the people the facility serves.

”

– Mary Thuente Uht via Facebook

In response to: Cancer Fighters distribute PPE to students at Nieto Herrera Elementary

“

Way to go cancer fighters you are awesome.

”

– @1mommys_kidz via Instagram

Signal Tribune MANAGING EDITOR

Lissette Mendoza

DIGITAL EDITOR

Karla M. Enriquez

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Emma DiMaggio

LEGALS COORDINATOR

Katherine Green

SENIOR WRITER

Anita W. Harris

STAFF WRITER

Kristen Farrah Naeem

EDITORIAL INTERN

Xochilt Andrade

COLUMNIST

Claudine Burnett

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Wednesday before desired publication date. The Signal Tribune reserves the right to edit ­letters for grammar, language and space requirements. Letters must be 500 words or fewer. The Signal Tribune will publish no more than one “pro” letter and one “con” letter on a particular topic in a single issue. The Signal ­Tribune does not print letters that refer substantially to articles in other publications and might not print those that have recently been printed in other ­publications or otherwise presented in a public forum. Letters to the editor and commentaries are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Signal Tribune or its staff. Although the editorial staff will attempt to verify and/or correct i­ nformation when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when, and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. This policy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to interview candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday. Yearly subscriptions are available for $100.

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

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Signal Tribune

NEWS

April 2, 2021

Park Master Plan continued from page 1 1. Renovate the Signal Hill Park Community Center and add a senior clubhouse 2. Add fencing around the Reservoir Park Tot Lot 3. Renovate the amphitheater in Signal Hill Park 4. Renovate or repurpose Spud Field 5. Renovate the Signal Hill Park Tot Lot to create a flagship accessible playground 6. Renovate or redesign Hillbrook Park 7. Renovate picnic shelters throughout the city 8. Construct another dog park The Parks and Recreation Commission will review a final PIP on April 21, followed by Planning Commission review in May and a City Council vote in June. Both the PRMP and PIP will then be incorporated into the City’s General Plan as part of the environmental-resources element, Mancini said.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Image Courtesy City of Signal Hill

Graph from Signal Hill’s 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan showing high to low residential survey results on the greatest needs for parks and recreation over the next 5 to 10 years. Residents rated neighborhood parks, trailway and path connectivity and fitness and health programming as the highest priorities for the City’s Park Master Plan.

Signal Hill has 10 parks totaling 24.5 acres, 5.73 miles of trails, a new public library and community and youth centers, according to the 139-page PRMP. To create a plan for moving forward, GreenPlay conducted focus groups, interviews, two community forums and received 432 completed surveys out of 3,000 sent in early 2019, Mancini said. The PRMP contains a host of demographic information based on those surveys and other data.

Starting with basics – such as 69% of Signal Hill’s 11,800 residents have white-collar jobs and median household income of $77,000 per year – the plan goes on to assess residents’ health, commuting habits, and recreational behavior.

Signal Hill residents spend more than $1 million per year on sports and exercise equipment and more than $3 million annually on their pets, the PRMP notes. Residents also spend about $1.4 million per year on sporting-event tickets –– twice as much as on tickets to movies, museums and amusement parks combined.

The PRMP also lists national recreation trends such as bicycling, community gardens and outdoor “splash pad” play areas, noting that interval-training and cross-training are rising in popularity, as are martial arts and some racquet sports.

In terms of outdoor recreation, Signal Hill residents hike 3% more frequently than average Californians but participate less in water activities such as fishing. They generally engage in more fitness activity than other Californians, including swimming, walking, weight-lifting and yoga.

The PRMP also finds that, nationwide, the population is diversifying and aging, and parks-and-recreation departments are taking an active role in preventative health, promoting physical activity, social and parental engagement, nutrition, transportation to facilities and safety.

The plan cites a local-government survey suggesting that “the greatest impact to community health and physical activity was a cohesive system of parks and trails, and accessible neighborhood parks.”

Fittingly, Signal Hill survey respondents said developing parks and connecting trails should be the City’s highest priority, followed by fitness, wellness and health programs and improved park amenities.

Residents are also interested in art and cultural programs, a pickleball court, mini-golf, senior and intergenerational programs and facilities, a skate park, another dog park, a soccer field, a gym and a community swimming pool, see PARKS MASTER PLAN page 6

ARTS

April 2, 2021

Signal Tribune

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ARTS

Elizabeth Munzon | Flatline Gallery

(Left) “These are not studies. I am not a painter: A series of 500 paintings” is a work in-progress by artist Josh Vasquez. Despite the exhibition’s title, only 330 works have been completed, a testament to Vasquez’s intention to continue to use the series to mature as an artist. (Above) He used a multitude of mediums for the body of work, including oil paint piped atop cardboard.

What is an ‘artist?’ Josh Vasquez explores absurdity, existentialism and expectations in latest exhibition at Flatline Gallery Emma DiMaggio

I

Production Manager

n his current exhibit “These are not studies. I am not a painter,” at Flatline Gallery, Josh Vasquez challenges viewers to rethink their preconceived notions of what art is, what it should be and what it can be.

Vasquez began the 330-piece collection in 2016 during his time as an undergraduate student at Cal State Long Beach. What was meant to be a semester-long marathon of creation stretched into a five-year project, the labors of which are displayed in his exhibit.

As Vasquez matured as an artist, his view of art became less rigid. In trying to create such a large body of work, he began to toy with ideas of absurdity and existentialism.

In his artist notes, he describes the body as “500 works in the form of a Camus,” a nod to the existential philosopher and author Albert Camus.

“The framework of the whole body of work it’s, you know, you do the task until it becomes meaningless and then you’re able to endow your own meaning to the work,” Vasquez said.

“Honestly when I read that, it really described what I was after in so few words.”

The goal to create hundreds of pieces became a Sisyphean task for Vasquez, much like his experience as an artist. He grappled with the meaning behind his art in unison with his own existential awakening, which would later define the philosophy of his work.

“It’s all kind of repetitive and cyclical and it’s never-ending,” he said. “It can oftentimes feel very daunting, but then you go back and you’re focused on the work, focused on the piece. The perspective changes.”

His works from 2016 are abstract.

Dark hues of brown and green are offset by bright turquoise linework.

Like a child painting for the first time, Vasquez was grappling with what it meant to be an “artist.” In other pieces, browns and blues meld together into a cloudy mass that envelops each page.

In 2018, the pieces become more textural with strokes of acrylic typography rising up from each sheet. Others are distinctly geometric with white

lines jutting from every direction.

“I’ve spent so much time making—and really trying to kind of cancel out—a lot of the things that I’ve already tried,” he said. “My toolbox kind of gets smaller so I’m trying to think outside of the box. That’s what excites me the most about making the newer ones. I’m making some weird things that I think ordinarily wouldn’t necessarily be considered as paintings because they’re so materialistic.”

In later pieces, Vasquez explores the mundane with blocks of oil dolloped in cursive like icing on a cake. “You’re lovely :)” one states in gooey white paint. In another, cream oil paint is piped atop undulating layers of brown stating “I prefer chocolate.”

In 2019 and 2020, his work moves away from the abstract. Detailed landscapes of Los Angeles sunsets hang parallel with bright yellow emojis and

Image Courtesy Elon Schoenholz

Josh Vasquez spent five years creating 330 pieces for his exhibit, “These are not studies. I am not a painter,” to challenge his view of what art can be.

graphic typography.

The exhibit is not a retrospective.

Rather, the pieces serve as a physical embodiment of Vasquez’s growth as an artist—a five-year calendar painted in oil. (And any medium that piques his interest, including drywall.)

“Some of the newer ones don’t even have any paint on them,” Vasquez said.

“A lot of these things are super experimental and kind of pushing my idea of

what painting is and what it can be.”

The age-old question of “form or function” lays bare in the exhibit.

Though art itself is integrally tied to its form, the body of work served an important function in Vasquez’s ability to mature as an artist.

For the first few years, his work was integrally tied with his schooling at CSULB. It wasn’t until the third year of the project that Vasquez began to unlearn what he called a “compartmentalized” view of what an artist should be.

He pays homage to the idea in the title of the exhibition, “I am not a painter.”

“You know, you make paintings.

You’re a painter. And I don’t think that’s what I’m doing. I really feel, as corny and cheesy as it sounds, I don’t feel like I’m making paintings. I’m really making artwork, so ‘These are not paintings.’ This is artwork, or ‘I’m not a painter.’ I’m an artist.”

He referenced one piece in particular that challenges the notion of “art”—a piece of cardboard attached to a fragment of drywall.

“I would challenge the viewer to use that and kind of think ‘What makes this a painting?’ and really kind of reframe what your idea of a ‘painting’ or ‘artwork’ in general can be,” he said.

Although Vasquez has already spent years on the project, he doesn’t see an end in sight. He referred to the body of work as a “motivator,” a developmental tool that continues to challenge him to rethink his own preconceived notions of art.

“I naively thought that I could do it in a semester,” Vasquez said with a laugh. “Obviously, it’s taken a lot more than that. It’s taken five years thus far.

And honestly, I don’t know how long it’ll take to finish it.”

Josh Vasquez’s solo exhibit is on display at Flatline Gallery located at 6023 Atlantic Ave. in North Long Beach.

Viewings are by appointment only and can be booked on Flatline Gallery’s website. The exhibit runs until Sunday, April 4. Virtual tours of the exhibit are available at www.flatlinegallery.com.

More of Josh Vasquez’s work can be found on his Instagram page @joshybehr.

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Signal Tribune

LEGAL NOTICES/NEWS

EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Thursday, March 25 10:47 a.m., Battery, 2000 block of Alamitos Ave. 11:05 a.m., Auto burglary, 2500 block California Ave. 6:58 p.m., Stolen vehicle – recovered, 3500 block E. PCH 8:28 p.m., Battery, 700 block E. Spring St. Friday, March 26 2:15 p.m., Battery, E. PCH/Temple Ave. 7:59 p.m., Auto burglary, 700 block E. Spring St. 8:50 p.m., Battery, E. PCH/Temple Ave. (issued citation) Saturday, March 27 2:14 a.m., Felony warrant; misdemeanor warrant, Lemon Ave./E. Willow St. (suspect arrested) Sunday, March 28 1:26 a.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1800 block Molino Ave. 1:34 a.m., Burglary, 2400 block Cherry Ave. 3:41 a.m. Spousal abuse, 1800 block Stanley Ave. 1:38 p.m., Auto burglary, 2200 block Legion Dr. 8:08 p.m., Fire, Orange Ave./405 Freeway 8:32 p.m., Battery, 3300 block E. PCH Monday, March 29 9:56 a.m., Battery, 1600 block E. Willow St. 4:40 p.m., DUI, Redondo Ave./E. PCH 5:36 p.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 1400 block E. 28th St. Tuesday, March 30 11:07 a.m., Identity theft, 900 block E. 33rd St. 3:19 p.m., Indecent exposure, 2500 block Cherry Ave. 7:24 p.m., Indecent exposure, E. 33rd St./Orange Ave. Wednesday, March 31 11:55 p.m., Possessing paraphernalia, St. Louis Ave./Raymond Ave. (issued citation)

TST6402 Case No. 21NWCP00075 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, NORWALK COURTHOUSE, 12720 NORWALK BLVD., NORWALK, CA 90650 PETITION OF: NORMAN WILLIAM HASEMAN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Norman William Haseman has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: NORMAN WILLIAM HASEMAN to Proposed Name: NORMAN WILLIAM SCHOFIELD. 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: May 5, 2021; Time: 10:30a.m., Dept. C, Room 312. The address of the court is the same as above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, March 19, 26 & April 2, 9, 2021 Margaret M. Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court Dated March 5, 2021 TST6410 / 2021 056261 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. FASTREBENDER, 2. FASTREBENDER PRACTICE PIPE. 1941 San Anseline Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815. Registrant: FASTBENDER LLC, 1941 San Anseline Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815. This business is conducted by: a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Ramon Dawson, CEO. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of LosAngeles County on March 8, 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: April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021

NEED A LEGAL NOTICE POSTED? EMAIL LEGALNOTICES@ SIGNALTRIUBNE.COM

WANT TO BUY AN ADVERTISMENT? EMAIL ADVERTISING@ SIGNALTRIUBNE.COM

LBPD reporting area is too extensive to report here.

TST6409 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN PATTERSON

Case No. 20STPB08055 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of PATRICIA ANN PATTERSON A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Delia Ross in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Delia Ross be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on April 22, 2021 at 8:30 AM in Dept.

No. 79 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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

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

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: SHANNON L EVANS SBN 147389 EVANS AND ASSOCIATES 2400 S CIMMARON R STE 140 LAS VEGAS NV 89117-7902 CN976401 PATTERSON Apr 2,9,16, 2021

April 2, 2021

Park Master Plan continued from page 4 according to the PRMP.

However, the PRMP reveals inequi-

ties in Signal Hill park access. Hilltop residents can access the most parks within a 10-minute walk while some

residents have none that close, the PRMP finds.

“While walking and biking do pro-

vide good access to parks in Signal Hill, there are differences in the equity of access,” the PRMP states.

The plan recommends adding new

parks to the currently underserved northwestern and southern areas of Signal Hill. Specifically, it suggests

transforming four undeveloped lots into new parks, at 28th Street and Gardena Avenue and 27th Street and Cher-

ry Avenue, and on Crescent Heights

Street at both Walnut and Gardena avenues.

The PRMP also recommends ex-

panding the city’s trails, both with-

in parks and leading to them “along safe and protected corridors” through neighborhoods.

The plan further suggests renovating

or repurposing Spud Field, adding a

playground to Hillbrook Park, replac-

ing a playground in Signal Hill Park, renovating the Community Center and

adding multi-purpose fields to future parks.

To promote usage, the PRMP rec-

ommends the City do more to increase

residents’ familiarity with park facilities and programs by targeting com-

munication according to age and other demographics.

“The primary barriers to partici-

pation are not enough personal time

and lack of awareness of the services offered,” the PRMP finds from sur-

vey results. “Lack of information and

not being informed was cited multiple times.”

DEVELOPMENT

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LB Airport is looking for development proposals for 27 acres Staff Report Signal Tribune

Long Beach released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Wednesday, March 31, for aeronautical development of all or portions of approximately 27 acres at the Long Beach Airport, according to a press release from the City.

The Long Beach airport counts with 1,166 acres and has three runways, the press release noted.

“The availability of such a large amount of land is rare,” the press release said adding that the last largescale development at the airport happened in the 1980s and early 1990s.

“This unique development opportunity will bring more jobs and boost our local economy, which is already a hub for aerospace innovation,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in the press release.

The 27-acres is made up of two parcels located on opposite sides of the airport, the Wardlow Parcel, which is approximately 17 acres and the Lakewood Parcel spanning approximately 10 acres.

The Wardlow Parcel’s location is on the west side of the airfield and is adja-

cent to approximately 90 acres of land “acquired by the Goodman Company,” the press release noted. The land was used in the past for the manufacturing of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military aircraft.

“It is anticipated that the development of this parcel will enhance the future redevelopment of the Goodman property,” the press release said.

The Lakewood Parcel can be found on the east side of the airport at the corner of North Lakewood Boulevard and East Spring Street. The parcel is located above the underground Los Cerritos Channel Stormwater Capture Facility.

According to the press release, The Lakewood Parcel became available for development because of the shortening of Runway 8R-26L, in accordance with the Airport’s Airfield Geometry Study.

“With LGB’s central location and its role as a hub for economic activity, we expect this opportunity will attract strong interest from the aeronautical community,” Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry said.

Development of the site should be for aviation-related purposes that will

be complementary and respectful of existing businesses adjacent to the space, the RFP specified.

Proposal submissions are due on Monday, June 7, 2021 by 11 a.m.

“As we continue to find innovative ways to boost our local economy, I am thrilled to see this opportunity come to Long Beach,” Councilmember Stacy Mungo said.

The City had previously released an RFP in 2017 for aeronautical development on the west side of the airport, the press release noted, which included the Wardlow Parcel.

“Gulfstream was the successful proposer for the leasing and development of this parcel,” the release said. The site became available when Gulfstream announced in Oct. 2020 that it would begin a phased departure from Long Beach.

The existing ground lease, which includes Gulfstream’s remaining fiveyear option to extend, ends in March 2029. The City plans to issue another RFP for approximately eight acres later in 2021, this time on the south side of the airport, for hangar and tie-down development, the press release noted.

NEWS

April 2, 2021 HOUGHTON PARK

CRIME

One of two males shot to death in Long Beach during alleged home break-in ID’d City News Service Southern California Local News

Vice Mayor Rex Richardson to propose the naming of Houghton Park Community Center after community icon Doris Topsy-Elvord Signal Tribune

Plans to recommend the naming of

the new community center at Houghton

to come. It is past-time that she is rec-

ognized for her contributions to the

community engagement, and leader-

Topsy-Elvord has over 35 years of

on our whole city,” the press release

Long Beach community.”

Park after the first Black woman Coun-

service under her belt. Notable accom-

Doris Topsy-Elvord, were announced

Long Beach African American Heri-

cilmember and two-term Vice Mayor,

“As such, her civic service history,

plishments include co-founding the

ship continue to have lasting impacts said.

The Doris Topsy-Elvord Communi-

ty Center will include the community

by Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Rich-

center at Houghton Park and the Center

community leaders and organizations,

munity center counts with over 26,000

The recommendation will be made

multi-purpose rooms, a courtyard, a

ardson alongside over 50 Long Beach

for Families and Youth. The new com-

according to a press release.

square feet that include two large

at the Tuesday, April 6 Long Beach

Teen Digital Academy, a weightlifting

The naming of the center in honor of

cording to the press release, the new

her “pioneering contributions to the

families with healthcare and workforce

of inspiration for residents across the

“This proposal is accompanied by

City Council meeting.

gym, and a sound/plant garden. Ac-

the community icon would recognize

health center will supply the youth and

community while serving as a source

services

Long Beach community,” the press re-

a growing list of citywide community

lease said.

“Mother Doris laid the foundation

for leaders across the city,” Vice Mayor Rex Richardson said. “She is recog-

nized as a ‘mother of equity,’ having

introduced the concepts of economic

inclusion and equity to City Hall, as

Courtesy Office of Rex Richardson

Vice Mayor Rex Richardson described Doris Topsy-Elvord as a ‘mother of equity’ within the city, having introduced the topic of economic inclusion and equity to City Hall.

she was instrumental in expanding the

tage Society, the historic site designa-

gram and the Green Port Policy. Her

Ernest and Lillian McBride and the de-

her legacy will be felt for generations

Enterprise Program.

Port’s Small Business Enterprise Pro-

tion of the home of civil rights icons

accomplishments are numerous, and

velopment of the Port’s Small Business

leaders, community based organizations, and stakeholders,” the press release noted.

The community center serves over

95,000 residents and is open Mon-Fri

from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from noon to 4 p.m, and closed on Sunday.

Services and programs offered include senior citizen activities such as crafts and dancing, youth programs such as

after school and sports as well as meal programs.

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he coroner’s office on Monday, March 29 released the name of one of the two people shot to death in Long Beach by a man whose home they allegedly broke into.

DeCorion Sanders was 17-yearsold, according to the coroner’s office.

His city of residence was not known.

Officers responding to an assault with a deadly weapon call at about 5 p.m. Saturday in the 3700 block of East Esther Street came upon two males with gunshot wounds to the upper body, said Lt. Eric Matusak of the Long Beach Police Department.

Arriving paramedics pronounced both males dead at the scene.

“An adult subject who discharged his weapon at the subjects, he remained at the location and is cooperating with the investigators,” Matusak said. “The exact motive (of the shooting) remains under investigation. However (the shooting) is being investigated as possibly gang-related.”

A subsequent investigation revealed that at least six men forced their way into the Esther Street home, where during an altercation inside, a man fired at the assailants, striking two of them, according to Long Beach police.

One man was found shot dead inside the residence, police said, and the other was located shot dead on the front walkway of the home. The remaining men fled the scene either on foot or possibly in a vehicle.

“Detectives served a search warrant on the residence and seized large quantities of marijuana, firearms and cash,” police said. “Detectives will continue to work to determine responsibility for any other crimes that might be related to this incident and will present any findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration. At this time, there is no indication that the resident is known to the suspects.”

Long Beach police homicide detectives urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to call them at 562-570-7244.

MadKat, Inc

Courtesy Office of Rex Richardson

Vice Mayor Rex Richardson described Doris Topsy-Elvord as a ‘mother of equity’ within the city, having introduced the topic of economic inclusion and equity to City Hall.

Staff Report

7

Signal Tribune

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Signal Tribune

April 2, 2021

BECAUSE THIS IS YOUR BEST SHOT. When it’s your turn, please choose to get vaccinated for your health, your family’s health, and the safety of your Bus Operators.

To find out if it’s your turn visit myturn.ca.gov.