September 27, 2019 | Vol. XLI No. 40

Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and Signal Hill with 30,000 issues every Friday

VOL. XLI NO. 40

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

www.signaltribune.com

In this issue

Committee no longer sponsoring Veterans Day parade after 20 years

NEWS

Signal Hill City Council appoints new city manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn to replace Charlie Honeycutt in November

City says a parade is still happening despite committee’s action.

Page 2

Sebastian Echeverry Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune

The new main branch of the Long Beach Public Library system officially opened during a celebration on Saturday, Sept. 21. Part of the new civic-center complex, the branch was named after Long Beach native and tennis pro Billie Jean King.

‘Today, I’ve come full circle in my return to Long Beach’

Austin discusses 8th District goals, progess during State of the 8th address Page 3

COMMUNITY

Billie Jean King, Dodgers team up to promote reading to Long Beach kids Page 14

OPINION

Billie Jean King shares stories of her formative years in LB at new library named in her honor.

Cory Bilicko Staff Writer

She’s been a champion– not only on the tennis court but also for equal rights– yet discussions in recent months as to whether to name Long Beach’s new main branch after Billie Jean King, a native of the city, have been marked by controversy. Some

said she is not known primarily as a literary figure or that her name is not synonymous with libraries, whereas others pointed out that she has published several books and that athletes are required to maintain high academic standards. Others argued that most large cities do not name their main branches after people.

Shooting for the stars: Satellite companies establish in Long Beach, mayor says during ‘Building a Better LB’ event

Sebastian Echeverry Managing Editor

Thoughts from the Publisher

Page 4

September 27, 2019

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia took centerstage Tuesday inside the Beverly O’Neill Theatre in downtown to provide updates of the various construction projects that are taking place throughout the city as part of the “Building a Better Long Beach” event.

From completed projects to new developments in the pipeline, Garcia emphasized that the city is focusing on building more housing and meeting the desee DEVELOPMENTS page 14

However, on Sept. 21, those differences appeared to have been put aside during the grand opening of the Billie Jean King Main Library, located at 200 W. Broadway, in downtown Long Beach.

In an event that began with several lively songs performed by the Long Beach Polytechnic see BJK page 11

Managing Editor

[Editor’s note: The Signal Tribune has published a separate commemorative program for the Long Beach Veterans Day parade in the past.]

For over 20 years the Long Beach Veterans Day Committee, which was founded in 1996 by former Councilmember Jerry Shultz, has hosted the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade in north Long Beach.

According to the committee’s website, lbveteransdayparade.com, military grand marshals, multiple branches of the armed forces and members of city government see PARADE page 10

Long Beach trees show a spread of infestation: Reported cases of Tuliptree Scale insects up from previous year as the city works to treat infected trees.

Daniel Green Production Manager

Over the past year, residents walking down the streets of Long Beach may have noticed a change among some of the trees in their neighborhoods. What were once picturesque sights are now covered with large scaly bumps or excess dew dripping from branches.

While this odd occurrence may not seem serious on the surface, the cause Photos by Daniel Green | Signal Tribune can be detrimental to the tree and potenTrees located along Magnolia Avenue appear to show tially lead to its death. signs of Tuliptree Scale infection. The City of Long The infection comes from an insect Beach documented around 120 reported cases last see TREES page 9

year of the infection but currently has between 350400 cases.

S 27, 2019 NEWS Signal Hill City Council appoints new city manager

2

Signal Tribune

eptember

Hannah Shin-Heydorn to replace retiring City Manager Charlie Honeycutt as of Nov. 2.

Anita W. Harris Staff Writer

During its Sept. 24 meeting, the Signal Hill City Council announced its appointment of a new city manager to replace Charlie Honeycutt, who is retiring in November. It also updated the city’s commemorative-flag policy and deliberated legal and other issues with the commissioner-appointment process it had agreed to at its last meeting.

City manager The council approved a city-manager employment-agreement for Hannah Shin-Heydorn, currently the deputy city manager.

Current City Manager Charlie Honeycutt said the council had interviewed Shin-Heydorn on Aug. 13 and unanimously voted for her to replace Honeycutt as of Nov. 2, after he retires.

As part of her appointment, the council also approved a resolution amending the management-salary schedule in the city’s code, as required by CalPERS, since

Shin-Heydorn’s base salary will be $11,434 less than Honeycutt’s for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

Honeycutt said that the City considers succession planning as a way to preserve talented staff and institutional knowledge and had hired Shin-Heydorn as deputy city manager with that in mind “She’s a talented individual who manages the daily operations of the Administration Department, […] oversees human resources and provides valuable leadership on a variety of special projects,” Honeycutt said. “And understands the importance of getting to know community members as well as participating in regional organizations that work on addressing […] issues such as homelessness, public safety, housing and economic development.”

Honeycutt added that Shin-Heydorn is well respected by the city’s department directors, staff and other city managers in the region.

“I’m very comforted by the fact that as I just become a resident of Signal Hill, that we have somebody like Hannah who will take

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over the leadership of this organization and continue moving the city forward,” Honeycutt said.

Mayor Lori Woods added that Shin-Heydorn has over 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors, including with the Department of Defense, the University of Southern California, Northrup Grumman and the City of Lake Forest.

Both Councilmembers Edward Wilson and Councilmember Tina Hansen expressed support for Shin-Heydorn’s appointment. Hansen said she had been impressed

by Shin-Heydorn’s initial interview for the deputy position via Skype because she was abroad.

“I’ve interviewed a lot of people,” Hansen said. “Her talent, her dedication, her passion just came across so strongly in that Skype interview. There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation with the council. […]

We brought her in knowing that she would, and could, rise to this position.”

Shin-Heydorn introduced her husband, son, and daughter in attendance and expressed her thanks to the council.

“I am so appreciative of this opportunity and the trust you’ve placed in me to serve as the next city manager,” she said. “I’m so grateful to the amazing staff we have that I get to continue to work alongside them in furthering the council’s vision. I love this community– the engaged residents and businesses– and I look forward to many fruitful years.”

Hansen and Woods assured Shin-Heydorn’s family about her time.

“We’re going to make sure she takes vacations,” Hansen said.

Flag policy Shin-Heydorn said that at its May 14 meeting, the council had directed staff to look into updating the city’s flag policy. During that meeting, the council had agreed to display a rainbow-colored flag at city hall to commemorate June as LGBT Pride Month, beginning with Harvey Milk Day on May 22.

The city has a flag-etiquette policy from 1998 that dictates flag display, Shin-Heydorn said.

“The city’s flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public and are to be used exclusively by the city where the city council may display a commemorative flag as a form of government expression,” she said.

Shin-Heydorn put forward staff’s recommendations for commemorative flags, including that a majority of the council needs to agree to fly such a flag and that the city would display it beneath Signal Hill’s flag on the same flagpole for a month at three locations– city hall, the library and police station.

The council agreed that it can choose to display flags for more or less than a month. Hansen also suggested that the council decide on most of the commemorative-flag displays for the year at one meeting in December or January.

Councilmember Keir Jones motioned to move staff’s recommendations and Vice Mayor Robert Copeland seconded.

However, Woods put forward a substitute motion to display commemorative flags only at city hall and not on the flagpole– sparing the expense of additional flags at the library and police station– along with information to educate viewers on its significance.

Courtesy Hannah Shin-Heydorn

During its Sept. 24 meeting, the Signal Hill City Council appointed Deputy City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn (pictured) as new city manager, replacing current City Manager Charlie Honeycutt after he retires Nov. 1.

“If we are going to fly and recognize– which I think we should– any commemorative flags, […] they [should] be in a separate location prominent to the face or the front of the entrance to city hall,” she said.

Since no other member seconded Woods’ motion, it failed and the first motion was put to vote. Four councilmembers approved it with Woods opposing.

Commissioner appointments The council also revisited the commissioner-appointment process it had agreed to at its previous meeting on Sept. 10 (as reported in the Sept. 13 issue of the Signal Tribune).

That process includes a new

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NEWS

September 27, 2019

Signal Tribune

Councilmember Austin discusses progress, goals during State of 8th District address

3

Councilmember cites homelessness and alley improvements as ongoing challenges.

Cory Bilicko Staff Writer

Breezes cascaded through the leaves of a huge Moreton Bay fig tree and several Italian cypress trees in the back yard of Rancho Los Cerritos as steel-drum percussionist Shoy Phillip accentuated popular favorite songs for locals to enjoy while they dined on complimentary food and drinks. The only interruption of the idyllic scene were the airliners roaring overhead, compelling 8th District Councilmember Al Austin to pause momentarily during his address.

The event, the “Celebrate the 8th” State of the District, took place Thursday, Sept. 19, when the councilmember presented updates about public safety, infrastructure, special programs and homeless efforts.

In honor of Long Beach Gives, a 24-hour online fundraising campaign for local nonprofits that day, representatives from about a dozen of those organizations had set up tables with information on how residents can support them through volunteering or making donations.

Before Austin’s presentation, other elected officials addressed the crowd briefly, including: Tracy Egoscue, president of the Port of Long Beach Board of Commissioners; John Allen, Division 3 representative for the Water Replenishment District; and 3rd District Councilmember Suzie Price.

Austin opened his remarks by declaring that, “The state of the 8th is good– it’s better than good, it’s great.”

He first focused on public safety.

“Violent crime remains at levels not seen in 40 years,” he said.

“Police-department response times– priority-one calls– continue to be at an average of five minutes or less, which is much faster than most major cities. This past year, the city council funded a quality-of-life officer for the north Long Beach division [who] is dedicated full-time to work and address public-safety issues related to homelessness in our community.”

He added that improved technology, such as body-worn cameras, is enabling police to become more accountable while helping the community be safer. He added that the police department also continues to use funding to have special teams of detectives target prohibited possessors, those who

are not allowed to own firearms because of felony convictions, active restraining orders, court orders or certain mental-health statuses. He said that, so far this year, that team has already recovered 200 firearms from individuals who were in illegal possession of them.

Austin then discussed traffic conditions, indicating that “walkability and bike-ability” have improved while accidents have been reduced throughout the district, and he extended thanks to the individuals and community groups for their work in those areas.

“In terms of community engagement, we are more active and engaged than we ever have been,” he said. “We’ve helped activate neighborhood groups throughout the district, which have allowed my office to be more impactful and better serve our constituents because we are addressing issues and concerns through a collective prism and not by individual residents.”

Austin then spoke about the fact that senior programming at the Expo Arts Center is in its fourth year and has expanded to three days a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“What started as a novel idea with my 8th-district Senior Advisory Committee has turned into a robust program led by many outstanding volunteers on the committee,” he said.

He then mentioned that parks and open space have been a priority of his and that, because of Measure A, two state-of-the-art playgrounds have been added to the district. Other areas that have been underutilized and that have fallen into disrepair are also being developed, and a pending grant is expected to assist with such projects.

Speaking on economic development, he said the small-business climate is “actually better than it’s ever been.”

“Dozens of new small businesses have opened throughout the district, receiving [much] regional and national acclaim,” he said.

“And many of the small businesses in the district are owned by people who also live here in the community, and I’m very proud of that. They’re investing in their community, and they have stake in the community.”

He then said there is currently an unprecedented level of private reinvestment throughout the district, including several new re-

Photos by Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune

Eighth District Long Beach Councilmember Al Austin shares updates during the Sept. 19 “Celebrate the Eighth” State of the District event at Rancho Los Cerritos.

tail developments. For example, the former sites of Nino’s Italian and Hof’s Hut restaurants are being reinvented with new tenants opening soon. Additionally, a new public parking lot will open at 53rd Street and Atlantic Avenue to foster a more business-friendly corridor.

He also cited his office’s relationships with the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and the Uptown Business Improvement District as reasons for the area’s continued success, and that he has been working with owners of vacant properties to engender development at those sites.

“Hopefully, we’ll get some results,” he said, “because the status quo is not acceptable.”

Another challenge Austin men-

tioned was the 24-hour problem of addressing homelessness while keeping the area clean.

“We must balance the need to protect the quality of life of all of our neighbors and neighborhoods with the parameters set by the courts and the needs and rights of those experiencing homelessness,” he said. “Another key pressure of many families in our city is the dwindling supply of affordable housing. As a city council, we’re working to increase our housing supply and provide protections for tenants who are facing rising rents.”

An additional challenge, which was unexpected, Austin said, was the discovery of active mold at Fire Station 9. He said officials were able to secure $1.5 million to temporarily relocate services

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In discussing the conditions of streets and alleys, Austin said that, although there has been much work undertaken to improve road surfaces, many alleys remain in disrepair.

“Up until two years ago, the city did not have any money to repair alleys,” he said. “The council is now investing money to [fix] our alleys, and we have allocated more money in the coming year to do so. It’s going to be a slow process, but we’re going to do it.

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4

OPINION

Signal Tribune

September 27, 2019

Thoughts

from

the

Publisher

By Neena Strichart

1960’s Racial Unrest at Poly High School [Editor’s note: The contents of this piece may be offensive to some.

Reader discretion is advised.]

members of the same off-campus musical combo. Race wasn’t the issue, but it ended up becoming one. After a school employee broke up the fight some students felt the black student was physically mistreated in the process,

It started with a fistfight between a black and a white student on April 11, 1966. The two were

more so than the white student.

As a symbol of unity, most black members of the Poly track team declined to participate in a meet with Wilson High the following day.

They stressed it was a gesture of see POLY page 6

LETTERS, EMAILS, WEBSITE COMMENTS AND STATEMENTS Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding the impeachment of President Donald Trump For years, the president has careened from shameful actions to inhumane policies to outright disregard for the rule of law. He has continually put his self-interest and profits above his duty to both the Constitution and the American people. Now evidence suggests that President Trump has extorted a foreign government to manufacture evidence against a political opponent. This action—and the lies and obfuscation that surround it—yet again crosses the line both constitutionally and legally. I intend to vote for articles of impeachment that detail President Trump’s high crimes and misdemeanors. I was elected to uphold the constitutional duties of a Member of Congress, including holding the president accountable. It is time to hold this president accountable.

Alan Lowenthal 47th District Congressmember A couple weeks ago, I wrote about fads from my childhood.

I described my memories of Beatlemania: the anti-war and flower-children movement with the beads and bell-bottom pants worn as a style trend for gals and guys. Also, part of my writing was my recollections of the 1960’s super model Twiggy’s ultra-thin, boyish-looks and mini-skirt fashion influence on girls and young women.

Looking back, I recall the struggles we young gals had wearing mini-skirts. We would never go out of the house without wearing hose or nylons in those days. Keep in mind that there was no such thing as pantyhose then. We tall girls wore our very short skirts in those days with the tops of our stockings showing, which, by the way, were held up with very plain attachments that dangled from matronly-looking garter belts. Once we got to school, we were sent to the principal’s office or to see the counselor who admonished us for dressing out of code. What did we do then? We unrolled our skirts that we had bunched-up at our waistbands and pulled them down so our hems landed exactly three inches above our knees. At

that point, we were sent back to our classrooms with instructions from the powers-that-be to keep our skirt lengths “where they belong.” Most of us would comply for a few days, roll up our skirts again and keep our eyes peeled for unapproving tale-tale teachers. Parents weren’t called to rat us out, instead, the schools did their best to handle things through administration. It usually worked.

After the mini days, we went through midi and maxi fashion trends which, looking back now, were pretty unappealing. From there, my mind goes blank and I fast-forward to the disco-days–– made very popular by the John Travolta movie, Saturday Night Fever and music by the Bee Gees and Donna Summer. Fellas wore shiny, polyester shirts, sported chains and bellbottoms (now skintight) were still the pants of choice. Women wore short or medium length flowy/sparkly outfits that glittered under the mirrored disco balls.

Next week, I will relay my memories of Madonna’s influence, Valley Girl fashion/slang and the newest… VSCO girls.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Neena R. Strichart

STAFF WRITERS

Anita W. Harris Cory Bilicko Kristen Naeem

Freedom of the press denied?

Long Beach City Hall has stooped to a new all-time low.

At the opening of the new Billie Jean King Main Public Library Sept. 21, this seasoned photojournalist/ reporter of more than 40 years, was summarily turned away as a media representative by Long Beach City Community Information Officer Rick de la Torre. I was disallowed a media tour of the library interior, excluded from press areas and refused admission when I arrived over an hour early.

Additionally, de la Torre told me that the publications that I often partner with, including the Signal Tribune, Beachcomber News, LBReport.com, Random Lengths News and others were not recognized by the city as legitimate news-gathering entities. Therefore, I was to be denied media/press status. When I asked to speak to his “superior,” Long Beach Chief Public Affairs Officer Kevin Lee, I was told that he was too busy.

Later, I approached Lee. He was evasive and refused to answer my questions. (See YouTube video “PIO Kevin Lee Long Beach”.) He also directed a security guard to escort me out of the media area.

Prior to the event, I had done the customary notifications/requests. But, the calls, texts and emails went unanswered by Lee. I especially wanted to take photos of the library before the crowds to avoid children whose parents might not want them published in the newspapers. While I was displaying and wearing proper credentials, other press representatives were allowed without credentials.

Even though independent news outlets might not be considered by some as important as city hall “owned” news publications, their value is priceless. They bring you the news, truth and information that city hall doesn’t want voters/ citizens to hear. Regardless, they have a right to be there and accorded full and equal media access.

The irony of this whole situation is that we were celebrating the opening of a library which represents freedom of information and honoring a woman (Billie Jean King) who passionately stood up for women’s rights. What blatant hypocrisy!

Sadly, this type of behavior harms the citizens of Long Beach the most. Lee and his cohorts are frivolously courting lawsuits that will ultimately be borne at taxpayer expense. To add insult to injury, Lee was given $175,149 in pay and benefits in 2018 for his disservice to Long Beach taxpayers, according to California Transparent.

At the very least, I expect a sincere written apology to me from Long Beach City and Lee for this egregious violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the California State Constitution and the people of this city. Reassurance should be made that this will not reoccur in the future. Additionally, he should receive a full review of both constitutions and the ethics/sunshine laws training given to all Long Beach City employees.

LEGALS COORDINATOR

Katherine Green

ONLINE EDITOR

Lissette Mendoza

Diana Lejins Long Beach photojournalist

MANAGING EDITOR

Sebastian Echeverry

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Daniel Green

COLUMNISTS

Claudine Burnett Blair Cohn

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Barbie Ellisen

CULTURE WRITER

Brett Hawkins

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Wednesday before desired publication date.

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

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

September 27, 2019

COMMUNITY

Long Beach Airport receives more than $8.5 million for taxiway reconstruction projects City News Service Southern California Local News

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration announced millions of dollars in grants Monday for various Southland airport improvement projects, including more than $40 million for Los Angeles International Airport.

Long Beach Airport received more than $8.5 million and Van Nuys Airport received nearly $10 million, both for taxiway reconstruction projects. John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana was awarded more than $2.1 million for terminal-building modifications.

LAX received a pair of grants–– more than $35.6 million for taxiway construction and more than $4.4 million for sound

insulation projects in surrounding neighborhoods.

The grants are part of the fifth dispersal in fiscal year 2019 of the $3.18 billion Airport Improvement Program, which funds infrastructure projects around the country. The DOT and FAA awarded $986 million in grants to more than 350 airports in 44 states and Micronesia and Puerto Rico, including $126 million to 26 airports in California alone.

“This significant investment in airport improvements in California will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

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A ro u n d Tow n A schedule of local activities and events 2ND ANNUAL RANCHO WALK What Urban hike Who Organized by the Long Beach Office of Sustainability When Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8am to 2pm Where Cal State University Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd.

More Info A historical walk through Long Beach and Signal Hill that will begin at the CSULB campus with stops at Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos. Different walking distances are available.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS CLUB What Dungeons and Dragons board game club Who Hosted by the Signal Hill Public Library When Saturday, Sept. 28, from

12pm to 4pm Where Signal Hill Public Library, 1800 E. Hill St. More Info A club for those interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons fifth edition. Beginners are welcome to come and learn how to play. The club meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Those who wish to attend must register at the library or by calling (562) 989-7323.

CHRISTMAS-TREE LANE BENEFIT

What Holiday fundraiser Who Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA) When Saturday, Sept. 28 from 5pm to 7pm Where Firefighters Union Hall Local 372, 2201 Cherry Ave. More Info This event will raise money for the seasonal Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane. The funds raised will go towards replacing 24 trees, electrical repairs and upgrades to the irrigation.

Refreshments will be provided. For more information call Maria Norvell, chair of WANA, at 562427-5021.

AARP SMART DRIVER REFRESHER COURSE What Safe driving class Who Long Beach Medical Center When Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 9am to 1pm Where Long Beach Medical Center, Classroom 1, 2801 Atlantic Ave. More Info This is a four hour class for those who have previously completed the eight hour AARP Smart Driver Course. The class will teach residents over 55 years old defensive driving techniques and refresh their driving skills. The class is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. To register call (562) 933-1650.

HERON HIKE What Nature walk Who Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust When Saturday, Oct 5. from 8am to 10am Where Los Cerritos Wetlands, near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Street More Info An educational walk around the Los Cerritos Wetlands that is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Naturalists will share facts about the land, tides and history of the wetlands. Parking is available on the inland side of the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Street, close to the border of Long Beach and Seal Beach. Participants must wear closed toe shoes. For more information or to register email elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org.

FARM HANDS WANTED What Volunteer opportunity Who Farm Lot 59 When Thursday, Oct. 3 from 9am to 2pm Where Farm Lot 59, 2714 Cali-

fornia Ave. More Info Every Thursday until Nov. 21 Farm Lot 59 will be open to adult volunteers. Volunteers will be working along side CSULB service learners.

Those who wish to participate are asked to please be punctual. For more information visit https:// www.farmlot59.org/community.

MEET & GREET What Political fundraiser Who Hosted by 6th Council District Candidate Sharifah Hardie When Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10am to 4pm Where 1100 Block of Olive Avenue off of Anaheim Street More Info This fundraiser is free to attend and will feature food and activities.

Attendees are encouraged to bring shoes ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT and professional clothing to donate at the What Support group Who The Alzheimer’s Caregivers event. Career opportunities, clothing, inSupport Group formation about student loan forgiveness When Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 3pm and vendor booths will also be available.

Where Miller Children’s & WomResidents can come get acquainted with en’s Hospital, Conference Room Long Beach City Council District 6 canA1, 2801 Atlantic Ave. More Info This gathering welcomes anyone who didate Sharifah Hardie. wishes to safely express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences regarding Alzheimer’s. The support group also aims to provide attendees with ways to cope with and manage the struggles surrounding the disease. To register call (323) 9306256.

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Signal Tribune

6

COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

Poly

September 27, 2019

continued from page 4

protest against the way their fellow student had been treated; it was not directed at the track team coaches.

Suspensions followed.

Later that month, members of the black community held picket signs outside Poly High School,

Juan

Ovalle for City Council

THE SUDDEN CLOSURE OF OUR GREATER BIXBY KNOLLS COMMUNITY FIRE STATION 9 REQUIRES BETTER ANSWERS

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concluding in a march on the Board of Education. The issue was the failure of school officials to lift the suspension of the 35 black members of the Poly track team. As a result the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations accepted the invitation of the Long Beach Board of Education to help establish an interracial committee to study the Poly High situation.

Since the end of the school year was approaching, a compromise was reached. In the interim, school officials investigating the case said they were not satisfied the teacher involved in the incident did not use any more force than he had to. The school allowed the suspended track members who were due to graduate to be reinstated and agreed that the suspensions be kept off the written records of all 35. Before the County Human Relations Commission report was finished another sign of unrest surfaced in the area.

On May 1, 1966, another tense situation in the 6th Council District surrounding Poly High was triggered by a misunderstanding. An accidental summons for police who believed they were answering a “robbery-in-progress call� resulted in violence. It started with a small group of black teenagers outside Swensen’s Market at 1451 Atlantic Ave. They were kidding and engaging in horseplay when suddenly two penny gum machines outside the market were jostled and knocked off their racks, shattering the concrete of the parking lot. The youth who caused the damage went into the market to report what he had done and to offer to pay for damages. The owner’s wife told him the machines were operated by a concessionaire and that she couldn’t estimate the amount of damage. She asked the teen for his

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name and address to be sent to the owner of the machines. He refused and an argument ensued. In the meanwhile, the gum machines, in falling, hit the market door which was wired for a burglar alarm which set off the remote alarm buzzer in the police station.

A silent alarm from an open business meant an urgent call for help. Police, not knowing what to expect but prepared for the possibility of confronting an armed holdup, had their weapons ready. Suddenly, the teen looked around and saw police moving in and more police cars arriving. All of this, the youth thought, because of two broken gum machines. A small but growing crowd agreed with him. The police only knew what they encountered at the market, a shouting, gesticulating, hostile crowd obviously on the edge of violence. Fists flew, Billie clubs were swung and the police 999 call (officer needs help) was broadcast. Gradually, after a tense period, police were prudently withdrawn from the area and things cooled. Two policemen, two youths and a truck driver unlucky enough to pick that time for a delivery at the market were injured, none seriously.

The County Human Relations Commission, probing the causes of both incidents, submitted their 15-page report to the Board of Education on Aug. 21, 1966. The most critical problem at Poly, they found, was the continuing alienation of the races: the white who saw the black as a stereotype and the black who saw the white as a stereotype. Ethnic figures showed Poly’s student body was 17.25% black; 7.43% had Spanish surnames; 4.54% were Asians; 70.15% white; the rest were categorized as “other non-white.�

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that of 3,000 students at Poly about 500 were black. Black students in the district’s other high schools were almost non-existent. Basic problems, in the committee’s unanimous opinion, were those facing the entire nation: the effect of segregation in housing, discrimination and employment; tension caused by racial prejudice and most of all, failure to recognize that problems existed.

What the school district could do, the committee said, was to update the curriculum to initiate new courses to meet the present social and economic environment, including showing the positive contributions of minority groups in the growth of America. The district needed to encourage extra-curricular, integrated activities; provide counseling for the needs of all the students; offer sensitivity training to aid teachers and administrators to act wisely. In addition, it was recommended that students be assigned the same counselor throughout their school careers; and teachers, counselors and administrators should be encouraged by the Board of Education to routinely make night home visits, not solely in a moment of crisis.

Though the committee’s recommendations were for the most part implemented, troubles again surfaced at Poly High School on May 28, 1969, when 100 white and black students fought over an anti-black bulletin distributed on campus. Five were injured in the melee, which was brought under control by a force of riot-armed police.

Undercurrents of turmoil had been apparent all week when an unsigned racist bulletin was circulated by white students. Portions of the bulletin, headed, “Uptight about School‌or just about the [expletive]?â€? could not be printed in the local press. Some of the portions read: “The blacks can get away with whatever they want, because they stick together, and because the gutless school administration is afraid to oppose them. Conditions in schools have become so rotten that trying to get an education has become a laugh. Who can learn anything caged up with a bunch of cannibalsâ€? (Press Telegram May 29, 1969).

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Trouble continued when a group of about 500 black individuals gathered that evening urging a black boycott of classes. The following morning, the group began marching toward the high school where another group of white individuals had gathered in the apparent hopes of a face-to-face confrontation. Five 14-man squads of police formed roving patrols in the area, using bull horns to disperse the crowds. Rumors circulated among members of the black community that an undisclosed number of white youths were engaged in paramilitary training at various city parks.

School officials hoped that racial problems would simmer down during the Memorial Day holiday, but they weren’t taking any chances. On Monday, June 2, school authorities set up a screening post at the school’s main entrance searching both male and female students for possible weapons. None were found. A caravan of 20 to 25 cars, containing male white youths, was reported leaving Veterans Park about 7am, apparently headed for the campus. However the cars never reached Poly. Back at the school, Principal Genero Garcia used the public-address system to announce a set of rules for campus behavior. He warned students they had to attend all classes, be on time and not loiter.

The Board of Education meeting on June 2, 1969, urged that Poly be kept open for the 13 remaining days of the school year, police be kept on campus before and during school hours; and all non-Poly people, including parents, be kept from entering school property.

Throughout the coming years, racial tension would again surface at Poly High School. In May 2019, 50 years after the 1969 conflict described above, violence erupted once again following an attack of a special education student by a group of boys and young men.

Community activist Reverend Leon Wood said the root of the violence was intertwined with the disenfranchisement, poverty, unemployment and racism that blacks and Hispanics had experienced for decades.

Things “cooled� down with summer, but what will the new school term bring? More armed school safety officers, or some set of agreed upon steps to end the problems that have gone on for decades?

W.E.B. Du Bois, the first African American to earn a doctorate, insisted on full civil rights for his race and increased political representation. Â He believed this could only be obtained through education.

In November 2018, Brian Bridges writing for the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) found that many black students lack the resources needed to get into college and to succeed there. Only 57% have access to the full range of math and science courses necessary for college readiness, compared to 81% of Asian students and 71% of white students. The resulting lack of preparedness shows up in see POLY page 9

CULTURE

September 27, 2019

Photos by Steve Limones Photography

Euriamis Losada (Che) in P3 Theatre Company’s Evita at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre

7

Signal Tribune

Ensemble cast of P3 Theatre Company’s Evita at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre

Theatre Review:

Evita at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre Anita W. Harris Culture Writer

Long Beach has a new theatre company! The P3 Theatre Company, led by executive artistic director Jon Peterson, has taken up residence in the Ernest Borgnine Theatre and has begun its grand-opening season with the political rags-to-riches musical Evita.

The theatre, located in the Long Beach Scottish Rite Event Center, is both cozy and opulent, with champagne-colored walls adorned with colorful motifs– a beautiful space in which to experience up close an enthusiastic cast belt out Tim Rice’s lyrics to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s rock-opera score.

Eva Duarte Perón was a real-life Argentinian first lady from 1946 until her death in 1952. Evita tells the story of Eva’s lower-class roots and climb through acting to political influence, mostly through relationships with men, the last of whom was up-and-coming military man Juan Perón, whom she helps get elected as President through aligning him with workers’ rights.

Christy Mauro-Cohen portrays Eva warmly, especially inhabit-

ing the role in the latter half as Eva comes into her own as the first lady. Her voice radiates particularly well in the solos and duets, such as “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You,” sung with Juan Perón (also played warmly by Rudy Martinez, with whom she has good chemistry) on the night they meet, and the iconic, “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina,” which she sings impressively on a high podium wheeled directly in front of the audience.

Eva’s foil in the musical is a figure named Che (as in Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara), excellently performed by Euriamis Losada. Che narrates her tale, but from an outside, critical perspective, needling the crowd who blindly follow her and even confronting Eva herself about her motives being self-serving rather than selflessly serving her adoring citizens. Losada is sharp from start to finish, not only in his tenor-voiced singing but fluid, confident acting.

An ensemble cast of about 18 high-energy performers portray military figures skeptical of Eva, as well as citizens of Argentina who suffer in poverty, unify into labor groups and mourn their beloved Evita when she passes.

Of them, Zach Appel shines as Agustin Magaldi, a singer with whom the 15-year-old Eva runs away with to the big city of Buenos Aires, and Emily Abeles, who has a sweet and moving solo– “Another Mistress In Another Hall”– as Juan’s young mistress thrown out by Eva the night they meet.

Whether you have or haven’t yet seen Evita live, you’ll enjoy this local production for its wholehearted performances.

Getting used to the new venue may cause a couple of minor sound glitches and occasional cast jostling, but the overall professional execution of a surprisingly fun, political play with great music and spirited troupe delights.

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Evita continues at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre in the Long Beach Scottish Rite Event Center, 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach, through Sept. 29, with shows Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and

8pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $25 to $35. For tickets, call (800) 595-4849 or visit p3theatre.biz.

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CULTURE

Signal Tribune

September 27, 2019

Theatre review:

The Haunting of Hill House at Long Beach Playhouse

Brett Ashley Hawkins Culture Writer

The success of a thriller or horror production depends on efforts far beyond effective acting—being scary or being scared. Not at all. That facet is a requirement, certainly, and director Holland Renton excels at bringing the best out of her cast. The key factor in value for such productions is how the team behind the production makes use of the limited space of a stage.

You see, a book or a film has infinite possibilities of setting and depth and volume. The Long Beach Playhouse main stage, however, has a defined space with which to work with.

Fortunately, stage manager Kelly Michelle Myers and set designer Sean Gray clearly know what they are doing. Lighting and sound accompaniments by Justin Castillo and Andrew Wilcox respectively drive the atmosphere even further.

The Haunting of Hill House is adapted from Shirley Jackson’s novel by F. Andrew Leslie. Set

in a Victorian mansion in the summer of 1964, the principal characters include supernatural fanatic Dr. Montague (Mitchell Nunn) and his wife (Marcia Bender), naïve simpleton Eleanor (Jade Yancosky), sardonic artist Theodora (Paige Laney), and the heir to Hill House, Luke Sanderson (David Edward Reyes).

Dr. Montague aspires to investigate Hill House for evidence of supernatural occurrences or existence, renting the mansion and inviting many to stay with Luke, the host, and him. Only Eleanor and Theodora accept. The declination of the rest of the invitees proves a wise choice as strange happenings befall the household and its inhabitants throughout the three acts of the play. Even the mansion’s staff, the stiff and paranoid Mrs. Dudley (Phyllis M. Nofts) knows better than to be at the property after nightfall.

The acting standout for The Haunting of Hill House is far and away Paige Laney. Her interpretation of Theodora is two parts Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks’ Mad Men vamp) and

Photo courtesy of Long Beach Playhouse

From left: Paige Laney and Jane Yancosky star as polar opposites who are the only willing summer guests invited to stay at Hill House at the behest of a supernatural investigator (Mitchell Nunn) and the mansion’s heir (David Edward Reyes)

one part Mae West— and the results are electrifying. Bender and Yancosky also deliver depth in prominent scenes as well.

Halloween is upon us, and even for the more timid of audiences, The Haunting of Hill House manages to walk the thin tightrope between being sus-

penseful and terrifying without becoming a gratuitously horrifying event. Pay attention to even the smallest of details to remain alert and avoid being haunted yourself!

The Haunting of Hill House runs until October 19 at Long

Beach Playhouse, 5021 East Anaheim Street in Long Beach, 90804. Tickets are on sale starting at $14. Online ticketing is available at lbplayhouse.org.

The theater’s box office can be reached at (562) 494-1014.

Psychedelic, garage-rock band ‘Nocona’ ending their tour in Long Beach; bluesier music reflects America’s politically polarized underbelly Lissette Mendoza Online Editor

Fresh out of playing at Americanafest in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Hi-Ho lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana, bluesy garage-rock band Nocona is on their way to Texas, the second to last state on their tour before coming home to California and ending their tour in Long Beach, on Sept. 27.

Whether playing a 20-minute long “power-set” or a 3-hour long performance, the band was certain to play singles from their new record and end with their energetic psychedelic encore finales.

Regarding their musical influences, lead singer, songwriter and guitar player Chris Isom said, “It’s a pretty eclectic source”, citing bands from New York’s hardcore scene, country, garage-rock, jazz and blues.

Their latest released single

“Stabby Mike” has more of a bluesier sound than some of their previously recorded material, an impression of what’s to come on their soon to be released third album titled, “Los Dos”, coming out in early 2020.

Accompanying the darker sound of “Stabby Mike” were visuals that included police brutality, bombings and the nuclear family, reflecting an underbelly in our current American climate that Isom spoke about.

“The stuff that’s going on in America– there’s a lot of dark underbelly. You just can’t help it when you sit down to write a song, it seems that for the past couple of years, there’s a sort of pessimism, so it may be a little harder to write a super happy song,” Isom said. “Stuff that has a little bit more of a bluesier feel; that sort of more darker blues just feels right.”

Unlike the previous albums, the band was set on recording

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Photo by Brennan McMurray

Nocona, the psychedelic, garage-rock band pictured above, will play at the PCH Club on Sept. 27 at 9pm located at 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy. The band has been on tour across Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee and will return to California for its last show.

“Los Dos” in a garage, giving the band’s usual Americana feel a raw, garage-rock twist.

It’s not all morose material, as Isom says, “There’s a fair amount of sort of brooding,

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darker kind of themed things on this record but we have some other stuff too on there that we can balance it out with.”

Nocona will play at the PCH Club on Sept. 27 at 9pm located at 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy.

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NEWS

September 27, 2019

Signal Tribune

9

Scale continued from page 1

known as Tuliptree Scale, which feeds on tulip or magnolia trees, both commonly found in Long Beach.

According to Arthur Cox, Long Beach public service bureau manager, the city documented 120 reported cases last year but currently has between 350-400 cases.

“It started in the downtown area, and it moved to the north and west and was in the west side [of] Wrigley,” Cox said. “We’re experiencing an infestation, basically, citywide right now.”

Tuliptree Scale, or Toumeyella liriodendri, is a type of scale insect that survives by spreading to trees and attaching itself to branches, where it sucks sap from the tree.

This can harm the tree by depriving it of vital nutrients. Over time, this can lead to leaves turning yellow, dropping prematurely, or branch dieback, where branches begin to slowly die.

Young trees are a common target for Tuliptree Scale, and if the infestation is left untreated, the host can potentially die.

The scale will commonly gather on a branch in bunches, causing a tree to look as if it is covered in warts. Residents may notice bumps along branches that can range from grey to light pink.

Another sign is a large amount of what is known as “honeydew,” a waste byproduct that the scale will emit. The dew can also harm the

tree by allowing for the growth of mold that harm the tree by blocking sunlight, a necessity for the tree’s photosynthesis process.

In response to the spread of the insect, the city set aside $100,000 for the treatment of Tuliptree Scale.

The city is already treating infected trees and is studying the best course of treatment, according to Cox. “We treat the trees with an insecticide that requires irrigation. and then the tree takes the insecticide and it does its action on the pest,” Cox said. “We’re […] currently looking at how many cycles that needs to take in order to show the improvement that we need to have.

[The] worst-case scenario is we’re removing the tree.”

For owners of trees that are susceptible to infestation, Cox recommends watching for symptoms and alerting the city as soon as possible.

“The first thing, is they look at the symptoms. The symptoms are going to be honeydew, which is a sticky substance that is going to fall from the tree and stain the ground,” Cox said. “We need to get that call when that starts to happen.”

When the call is received the city will study any tree to determine the health of the tree and discuss a treatment plan with the owner. Cox stressed that the best thing property owners can do is be engaged and help the infected tree by constant watering, which helps the insecticide circulate through the tree.

Catching the infestation in its early stages is the best way to save an infected tree and helps increase the chance of survival.

“Success is if we catch it early and we put it into a treatment program. Then the process is not fighting a major infestation,” Cox said.

“We are treating trees that have a major infestation. The trees that are being removed are the trees are beyond what we think is that recovery area–– where there [is] severe dieback and leaf loss and the tree is no longer sound or [has] the potential to survive. Those are the removal candidates.”

work and family help centers in all 12 libraries throughout the city.

In 2018, 81,763 youth attended library programs and 22,281 Family Learning Center sessions.

Since 1996 the foundation, through charitable contributions, has expanded the role of the library opening up many educational programs, including the Career Online High School program, which gives adults who did not graduate from high school the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma.

The library, unfortunately, has suffered cutbacks in hours and staff, making these resources less available to the community. Those

students involved in the May 2019 melee were in elementary school when the library hours were slashed. City Librarian Glenda Williams is a true success story for African Americans, starting at the library as a student worker and raising through the ranks to become city librarian. Williams, however, instead of protesting these cuts, acquiesced to former Long Beach City Manager Patrick West’s and former Mayor Bob Foster’s demands, and instead sent staff postings of library jobs in other library systems, to avoid layoffs. The main library, serving a large black and Hispanic community, that used

to be open seven days a week is now struggling to provide services in only five open days. Many may remember when all Long Beach libraries were open until 9pm, then cut back to 8pm, now only two days a week until 7pm.

Currently four branch libraries are open on Sundays noon to 4pm- Bay Shore, Burnett, El Dorado and Michelle Obama. However, Mark Twain branch library, with a large number of computers and up to date technology, is not one of these. Neither is Bret Harte located on the west side that serves a largely minority community. Nor is funding guaranteed for Sunday

hours at the new main library.

The city budget that just passed allotted only $88,000 for Sunday openings. This will only fund a portion of the money needed to fully cover Sunday hours. Hopefully, the city council, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, and a new city manager will realize that if the community had more opportunities to use the Long Beach libraries, during hours that would suit them, perhaps we would need less police and instead create a more racially diverse, educated community ready to greet the world and the challenges it faces.

Poly continued from page 6

standardized test scores. Sixty-one percent of black students who took the ACT in 2015 met none of the four ACT college readiness benchmarks, nearly twice the 31 percent rate for all students.

The Long Beach Unified School District has implemented the WRAP after school program (Winners Reaching Amazing Potential) with government funded grants.

But their program only provides part of the solution.

In Long Beach, adults and youth of all races have been fortunate to have the support of Long Beach Public Library and its Library Foundation in establishing home-

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NEWS

Signal Tribune

Parade

September 27, 2019

continued from page 1

Taken via lbveteransdayparade.com

The screenshot on the left from Sept. 18 shows that the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade Committee announced that the 23rd Annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade and Celebration was “cancelled.” The screenshot from the right from Sept. 26 shows a revised banner on the committee’s website. City officials stressed that a Veterans Day Parade is still anticipated.

have all participated in previous festivities.

This year, the committee announced that it will no longer sponsor the 23rd annual parade, which was scheduled for November 9 via their website, citing miscommunication with Long Beach City officials as the reason for the committee’s decision.

A parade is still taking place this year, Long Beach Special Events and Filming Bureau Manager Tasha Day told the Signal Tribune, despite the committee’s announcement.

“The city produces the parade, so the money is actually housed within my budget,” Day said.

The Signal Tribune reached out to the committee’s treasurer, Val Lerch, for comment on the decision to not sponsor the parade, but he said the committee did not wish to conduct interviews as of press time.

An official letter from Committee Chair Gus Orozco was sent out to the public, and it stated that miscommunication about the parade’s logistics and failure to meet with the city to discuss the spending of funds caused the committee to miss “crucial logistical deadlines.”

“This committee has made several attempts, as early as May 2019, to coordinate parade logistics with the City of Long Beach Bureau of Special Events and Filming, to no avail,” the letter stated.

In August, the committee was sent a copy of a memorandum containing procedures on how city councilmembers and nonprofit groups were to use city funds for events, as well as how to coordinate with the Special Events and Filming Bureau.

“Again, the Long Beach Vet-

erans Day Committee, a 501(c) (3), requested a meeting with [the] Special Events [Bureau], to help answer questions regarding this memorandum,” the letter read. “With no successful scheduling of a meeting with the Special Events Bureau, councilmembers, and this committee, the committee has decided to not sponsor this year’s parade.”

Rex Richardson, 9th District Councilmember, said that “technically nothing has changed,” and that the city is still anticipating hosting the parade.

He added that the Long Beach Veterans Affairs Committee could potentially assist the city in selecting grand marshalls for the parade, a task that was pre-

viously entrusted with the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade Committee.

Day told the Signal Tribune that this year’s parade will be similar to previous celebrations, however, no details were given.

“The organization was helping with entries and advertisement and things like that,” Day said in regard to the committee citing miscommunications. “So I honestly don’t know what they are talking about.”

Day said that the committee had called her office to set up a meeting in August.

“My staff was working on a meeting. In the interim, they sent [the committee] what the new policy was, and by that following Monday [Aug. 27],

of the original phone call, they sent a letter out saying they no longer wanted to be involved.”

The committee placed a banner over the 23rd Annual Veterans Day parade on it’s website that read “canceled.” It was then recently changed to read, “Long Beach Veterans Day Committee is not sponsoring or funding the 23rd Annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade. For more information, contact the Long Beach Special Events and Filming Bureau.”

The committee’s website also stated that it has worked with a professional parade-production company in the past.

The Signal Tribune spoke with a representative of Pageantry Parades Wednesday afternoon

2010 file photo of Long Beach Veterans Day Parade

who said the company could not comment on the matter. The representative said all inquiries concerning the parade had to be addressed to the committee.

Orozco’s letter stated that the committee has “extended an offer to the Special Events [and Filming] Bureau for any volunteer assistance in hosting a Veterans Day parade or any Veterans Day celebration.”

“We look forward to [continuing] to recognize our veterans, like we do every year with our Veterans Day parade and street festival,” Richardson said. “We thank those veterans on the committee for their service to the parade, and they can rest assured that this legacy will continue to move forward.”

Neena Strichart | Signal Tribune

COMMUNITY

September 27, 2019

Signal Tribune

11

BJK continued from page 1

High School marching band, hundreds of attendees filled the street outside the 92,000-squarefoot building to welcome not only the new facility, but its eponym herself.

“Today, I’ve come full circle in my return to Long Beach,” King told the crowd. “Without the people of Long Beach, I never, ever would have had the opportunity to launch my tennis career, travel the world and have a platform to, hopefully, make a difference in the lives of others.”

King then focused her address on the history of the city’s library system– the first branch having opened 123 years ago in a room adjoining the city council office.

“I love the fact that the origins of the Long Beach Public Library date back to 1896, when the Women’s Temperance Union provided 200 books to open its doors,” King said. “That leaders like longtime Long Beach librarian Blanche Collins spoke up against censorship in the 1960s and led a successful fight that prevented books from being banned nationwide.”

King said her father– a police officer and firefighter– and her mother– a Tupperware salesperson– both heavily influenced King and her brother, Randy Moffitt, by encouraging them to live their dreams.

“We were a blue-collar family,” King said, “but my parents always told us we could be anything we wanted to be, that no dream was too big.”

Moffitt went on to be a Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays; King ultimately became a World No. 1 tennis player.

“Randy and I loved to read, but we couldn’t afford to buy books,” King said. “So, one day, my mom sat down on the sofa, and she said, ‘Come over here, children. I want to talk to you.’ She went into her handbag, and she pulled out a card, and it was a library card.

And she said, ‘You will always be able to read because of this card, and it’s free, which is so helpful to our family.’ So, that made such a difference in our lives.”

King said that, when she was younger, she slept with her tennis racquet, her tennis sweater and the books she’d checked out from the library. It was her friend Susan Williams who’d introduced her to the game of tennis, King said.

Previously, she had only played in team sports. After only one tennis lesson, King knew what her calling would be.

“At the end of that first session, I knew what I wanted to do with my life– I wanted to be the No.

1 women’s tennis player in the world,” King said. “I’ll never forget telling my mommy: ‘Mommy, Mommy, I found out what I’m going to do with my life!’ And she says, ‘That’s fine. You have homework.’”

But King said it was a little later, when she was 13 years old, that she had “the real epiphany” that changed her life forever.

“I was sitting, and I was daydreaming, and I thought about my sport of tennis,” she said. “Everybody wore white shoes, white socks, white clothes, playing with white balls, and everybody who played was white. And I asked myself, at 13: ‘Where is everyone else?’ That was the day I committed my life to fighting for equality for every human being.”

Among the other speakers at the event was Mayor Robert Garcia, who said any time a city opens a new library is a wonderful day in that city.

He indicated that Long Beach’s new main branch is a symbol of “where the city is going” and “the crown jewel” of the new civic-center plaza.

Cory Bilicko | Signal Tribune

The Long Beach Polytechnic High School marching band performs outside the new Billie Jean King Main Library on Saturday, Sept. 21 during the grand opening of the branch.

“There is nothing more important than education,” Garcia said, “and this library will serve as a beacon of education here in the center of our downtown.”

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12

PUBLIC NOTICES

Signal Tribune

EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Thursday, September 19 9:06am, Possessing paraphernalia; possessing metal knuckles; 2 misdemeanor warrants, Freeman Ave/E. 29th St. (2 suspects arrested) 9:19am, Identity theft, 2500 block Walnut Ave. Friday, September 20 7:13am, Grand theft – motor vehicle, 2100 block E. Hill St. 8:45am, Possessing paraphernalia; misdemeanor warrant, 3200 block Orange Ave. (suspect arrested) 9:22am, Grand theft – motor vehicle, 2100 block E. Hill St. 4:33pm, Grand theft money/labor/property over $400, 900 block E. 33rd St. (suspect arrested) Saturday, September 21 2:02am, Burglary, 3100 block E. Willow St. 2:03pm, Person with a gun, Junipero Ave./E. PCH Sunday, September 22 6:11am, Auto burglary, 3500 block E. PCH Monday, September 23 9:27am, Grand theft – motor vehicle, 3300 block Lime Ave. 11:39am, Felony warrant; misdemeanor warrant, 1900 block Temple Ave. (suspect arrested) 12:14pm, Grand theft, 2600 block E. 28th St. 4:13pm, Elder abuse, 2500 block E. Willow St. Tuesday, September 24 4:20pm, Robbery, 900 block E. 33rd St. 4:26pm, Identity theft, 1300 block E. 28th St. 4:42pm, Elder abuse, 1800 block Stanley Ave. Wednesday, September 25 10:13am, Auto burglary, 700 block E. Spring St. 2:00pm, Child abuse, 2200 block E. 21st St. 3:21pm, Inflict corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant, 1900 block E. 21st St. (suspect arrested) TST6042 / Case No. 19LBCP00295 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 PETITION OF: Laura Gallardo TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: LAURA GALLARDO

has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: NATHAN ANDREW JMENEZ to Proposed Name: NATHAN GALLARDO 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: October 4, 2019; 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, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019 ___//ss//___ Mark C. Kim, Judge of the Superior Court Dated August 21, 2019 TST6044 / 2019 242504 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: NEX AUTO, 2103 E. Harding St., Long Beach, CA 90805. Registrant: TARA KEAK, 2103 E. Harding St., Long Beach, CA 90805. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Tara Keak. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name September, 2019. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on September 9, 2019. 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: September 13, 20, 27 & October 4, 2019.

TST6046 / Case No. 19CMCP00145 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Marlene Martinez Jaimes.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: MARLENE MARTINEZ JAIMES has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: MARLENE MARTINEZ JAIMES to Proposed Name: MARLENE MARTINEZ 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: November 05, 2019; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in

this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated September 3, 2019 TST6049 / 2019 238304 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: 1. NICETY STUDIO, 2.

ANNA JACQUES DESIGN, 31 Roswell Ave., Unit 3, Long Beach, CA 90803. Registrant: ANNA SINGER, 31 Roswell Ave., Unit 3, Long Beach, CA 90803. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Anna Singer. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in August, 2019. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on September 4, 2019. 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: September 13, 20, 27 & October 4, 2019.

TST6051 / 2019 246178 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: A. THOMPSON INTERIORS, 4600 N. Cerritos Drive, Long Beach, CA 90807. Registrant: ANDREA N. THOMPSON, 4600 N. Cerritos Drive, Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Andrea N. Thompson. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in November, 2018. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on September 12, 2019. 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: September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019.

TST6052 / 2019 244538 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: SEASONED SOUL WELLNESS, 2401 E. 5th St., #10, Long

September 27, 2019 Beach, CA 90814. Registrant: TIFFANY DAWN THOMAS, 2401 E. 5th St., #10, Long Beach, CA 90814. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Signed: Tiffany Dawn Thomas. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in September, 2019. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on September 10, 2019. 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: September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019.

TST6053 / Case No. 19CMCP00149 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Renata E. Solorzano by and through her mother Xiomara E. Gonzales TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: RENATA E. SOLORZANO by and through her mother XIOMARA E. GONZALES has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows: Present Name: RENATA ELIZABETH SOLORZANO to Proposed Name: RENATA ELIZABETH GONZALES 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: November 12, 2019; Time: 8:30am; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated September 10, 2019 TST6054 / Case No. 19CMCP00150 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Consuelo Zamora.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Consuelo Zamora has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing her name as follows:

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PUBLIC NOTICES

September 27, 2019 Present Name: CONSUELO ZAMORA to Proposed Name: CONNIE ZAMORA 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: November 12, 2019; Time: 8:30am; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated September 10, 2019 TST6055 / Case No. 19NWCP00348 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, NORWALK SUPERIOR COURT, 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 PETITION OF: Destani Hernandez & Michael Dominguez on behalf of: Elijah James Hernandez.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: Destani Hernandez & Michael Dominguez on behalf of Elijah James Hernandez have filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: ELIJAH JAMES HERNANDEZ to Proposed Name: ELIJAH JAMES AURE DOMINGUEZ 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: November 06, 2019; Time: 1:30pm; Dept. C, Room 313. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in

this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019 ___//ss//___ Margaret M. Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court Dated September 12, 2019 TST6058 / Case No. 19CMCP00156 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, COMPTON COURTHOUSE, 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Legend Suren Robertson by his mother Rocio Robertson.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: LEGEND SUREN ROBERTSON, by his mother Rocio Robertson, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: LEGEND SUREN ROBERTSON to Proposed Name: LEGEND SUREN. 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: November 19, 2019; Time: 8:30A M; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated September 17, 2019 TST6059 / 2019 246675 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: EL CHITO SUSHIS Y MARISCOS, 7809 Howe Street, Paramount, CA 90723. Registrant: JESUS E. CARLON SALERNO, 7809 Howe Street, Paramount, CA 90723. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL TST6063 NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS TO DESIGN AND PRINT THE CITY’S NEWSLETTER OBJECTIVE: The City of Signal Hill is inviting proposals from qualified firms to design and print the City’s newsletter. The City’s newsletter called City Views is distributed three times annually to all residents and businesses.

SUBMITTALS: All proposals must contain the requisite information outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) which is available on the City’s website (www. cityofsignalhill.org), under the “bids” tab, or at the City of Signal Hill, City Hall, Administration Department, 2175 Cherry Avenue. The proposals will serve as the basis for developing a short list of firms that will be invited to be interviewed.

All proposals must be submitted to City Hall by 4:00 PM, November 6, 2019.

Facsimile proposals will not be accepted. Please refer to RFP for specific requirements.

INQUIRIES: Questions and inquiries related to the RFP should be directed to Cristina Bond, Communications Specialist at cbond@cityofsignalhill.org or (562) 989-7308.

Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on September 27, 2019.

CITY OF SIGNAL HILL NOTICE OF WORKSHOP REGARDING WATER RATES WHEN:

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (as part of the City Council Meeting)

WHERE:

Council Chamber at City Hall 2175 E. Hill St., Signal Hill, CA 90755

A subcommittee appointed by the City Council has reviewed a preliminary financial analysis performed to understand the current and forecasted cost of Water Department operations and the revenues generated to support those operations. A workshop will be held to present findings and recommended rate adjustments.

For more information please call Sara Russo (562) 989-7355.

Posted in the Signal Tribune Newspaper Posted in accordance with S.H.M.C. Section 1.08.010 on or before:

TST6060 / Case No. 19CMCP00162 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, COMPTON COURTHOUSE, 200 West Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Juan Gonzalez Martinez TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: JUAN GONZALEZ MARTINEZ has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: JUAN GONZALEZ MARTINEZ to Proposed Name: GONZALEZ MARTINEZ. 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: November 26, 2019; Time: 8:30am; Dept. A, Room 904. The address of the court is the same as above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county, THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 27 & October 4, 11, 18, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court

Dated September 23, 2019 TST6061 / 2019 251254 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: BIG R JANITORIAL SERVICE, 14110 ½ Orizaba Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Registrant: MOISES ROMERO RAMOS, 14110 ½ Orizaba Ave., Paramount, CA 90723.

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

Signed: Moises Romero Ramos. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on September 18, 2019. 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: September 27 & October 4, 11, 18, 2019.

TST6062/ 2019 251243 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: NEW LIFE CONNECTION, 1704 W. Palmer St. Registrant: 1.

JUAN JAIMES GONZALEZ, 1704 W. Palmer St., Compton, CA 90220, 2.

EMMA GUZMAN, 464 Falcon Ridge Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. This business is conducted by: a General Partnership. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Emma Guzman, Partner.

The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in September, 2019. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on Sept.

18, 2019. 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

13

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: September 27 & October 4, 11, 18, 2019.

TST6065 / Case No. 19LBCP00344 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN COURTHOUSE, 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 PETITION OF: Tyron Adrian Martinez Castillo TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: ARTURO ANGEL MARTINEZ & MAURA CASTILLO MARTINEZ has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing his name as follows: Present Name: TYRON ADRIAN MARTINEZ CASTILLO to Proposed Name: ADRIAN MARTINEZ. 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: November 15, 2019; 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, 1399 E. 28th, Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755 September 27 & October 4, 11, 18, 2019 ___//ss//___ Mark C. Kim, Judge of the Superior Court Dated September 26, 2019

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Signed: Jesus E. Carlon Salerno. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on September 12, 2019. 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: September 20, 27 & October 4, 11, 2019.

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NEWS

Signal Tribune

September 27, 2019

Billie Jean King, Dodger infielders team up at school event to share the importance of reading

Lissette Mendoza Online Editor

With blue and white paper garlands and Los Angeles Dodger-themed welcome posters, around 200 anticipating 5th graders arranged themselves in a sea of Dodger blue at Jenny Oropeza Elementary last week.

Prior to the event, the students were each given a Dodger baseball cap and a LA Reads shirt from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, who assisted in organizing the event.

Nicole Whiteman, chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, thanked the principal Juan Gutierrez of Edison Elementary and principal Mona Cook Oropeza Elementary and the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative team for making the event possible.

The owner of the Dodgers,

tennis legend and Long Beach native Billie Jean King and Dodger infielder players Gavin Lux and Edwin Rios received a roaring welcome with screams and cheers from the faculty and students.

Rios addressed the students, stressing the importance of good grades and working hard, before giving the same words of encouragement in Spanish.

“Keep reading, it’s so important to have good grades and keep working hard. Para los Latinos también, que sigan leyendo y sigan trabajando fuerte y con los grados sigan para delante,” he told the crowd, which translates to, “For Latinos too, keep reading and keep working hard–– and with the grades, keep going.”

“Wows” came out from students who were surprised to hear the native Puerto Rican major league baseball player speak

Spanish.

On what was the 46th anniversary of King’s famous “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs in 1973, Whiteman introduced King as a “game-changer, a trailblazing athlete and a social advocate.”

King spoke, stressing the importance of reading and bilingualism.

“When there’s job applications, if you speak Spanish and English or any other languages, you have a better chance of getting a job and getting paid more. That’s the way the world is going.”

During the reading portion of the program, King sat in a chair amid the students, and with the help of students, excerpts were read from King’s book, I am Billie Jean King.

The book champions equality, teamwork, problem-solving and

Technology Companies that are not so invested in space but are interested in the advancement of technology have also made Long Beach their home.

The mayor highlighted the recent construction of Laserfishe’s offices in the 7th Council District. Garcia congratulated the software engineer company for their decision to settle an office in Long Beach The mayor said that Laserfiche is looking to fill new positions as it continues to expand throughout the city.

Garcia also highlighted Zwift, a video-game developer that creates virtual running and cycling games, which opened a new office on 111 W. Ocean Blvd. That company is also hiring in various Long Beach positions, according to its website.

improved the rent-a-car area, the luggage drop-off and pick-up experience for travelers and the flow of traffic in and out of LGB.

Lissette Mendoza | Signal Tribune

From left to right, Billie Jean King and Dodger infielders Edwin Rios and Gavin Lux distribute books at Jenny Oropeza Elementary School on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019.

learning how to learn.

Afterwards, students were able to walk up to meet King, Lux and Rios and receive their own copy of I am Billie Jean King. A few lucky ones were able to sneak in an autograph.

All 5th graders in the Long Beach Unified School District will receive a copy of King’s book this academic year on behalf of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.

ing the threat of rising ocean levels.

Beach, concentrated to the west in the 4th Council District under Councilmember Daryl Supernaw, is experiencing a housing boom.

Long Beach Boulevard around the Metro Blue Line is slated to future housing projects, according to Garcia.

Better LB

continued from page 1

mand for hotel rooms. About $3.5 billion are being invested in the form of housing, port renovation and education developments, Garcia said.

LB Space Race Garcia announced that satellite-development companies have established headquarters in Long Beach and are interested in the city’s growth.

Virgin Mobile’s Virgin Orbit, which manufactures and launches satellites into space, has established a main office on 4022 E. Conant St. in Long Beach and is expecting to expand its facility in the future, Garcia said.

A fairly new company in the space industry, SpinLaunch, also established a foothold in Long Beach at 4350 E. Conant St. and is poised to engage in “friendly competition” with Virgin Orbit in the development of satellites, Garcia said.

Airport update Garcia announced that improvements to the terminals at the Long Beach Airport (LGB) are also in the works. By 2020, the second phase of airport updates will have

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By the sea The mayor revealed that 2nd + PCH, a large retail and high-end dining development taking place on Pacific Coast Highway, will open sometime next month.

Garcia said the city is looking to invest “significant” resources toward the traffic circle located at Los Coyotes Diagonal by 2020. He said a large “Long Beach” sign will be installed and the circle will undergo updated landscaping.

The circle will become a “great experience” for motorists Garcia said.

The controversial Belmont Shore Aquatic Center is currently under review, according to Garcia.

“This project will be built,” he said.

The aquatic center project faced some concerns in 2017 from the California Coastal Commission cit-

North LB Garcia shifted the presentation toward developments in north Long Beach.

“All the next big stuff happening right now is in north Long Beach,” Garcia said.

The mayor announced a small-business hub called The Beat proposed to be built on Atlantic Avenue and will span from 56th Street to 60th Street.

The project will be a “walkable village” of entrepreneur shops and coffee houses. That project is currently under review.

Garcia said the Uptown, a retail update for Harding Plaza strip mall near Houghton Park, is also moving forward with construction.

Midtown housing Garcia said the state is faced with a housing crisis, and to alleviate the challenge, the city is pushing to build more affordable housing.

The midtown area of Long

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Downtown The city high-rise skyline is something Garcia said he’s wanted to see grow.

“I’m a big believer that we have got to grow our skyline,” he said.

The mayor announced major high rise buildings such as the Shoreline Gateway, which is expected to be one of tallest buildings in the city. That project has already broke ground and is currently under construction at 777 E Ocean Blvd.

Metro The Blue Line is seeing a facelift, as well, the mayor said, and Metro is investing $1 billion toward its improvement.

Although most of it has been closed for construction, Garcia said that parts of the Blue Line have been opened for tests. He added the full transit line should be opened by next month.

Those riding the updated Blue Line will experience new cars, see new security cameras and have their commute from downtown Los Angeles to downtown Long Beach cut down by 10 minutes.

The mayor announced that the express bus, which started as an experiment for transit users, will be a permanent addition to the city–– an announcement that drew applause from the crowd.

“Developers are investing in Long Beach with over 4,000 new housing and new commercial developments, families are investing in Long Beach by moving into our city, and 2,000 new businesses are investing and opening in Long Beach every year,” Garcia said.

“Long Beach continues to be a city on the move, and there’s so much still to come.”

NEWS

September 27, 2019

Signal Tribune

15

Council continued from page 2

application allowing candidates the choice of applying to all three commissions, separate interview and appointment dates and a selection process whereby council members put forth slates of candidates and agree according to which names appear the most.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire pointed out that the new selection process potentially contradicts the city’s charter.

“Under the charter, the mayor puts the names out and the terminology that’s used is ‘the appointment is by the mayor with the approval of the council,’” Aleshire said. “So [if] the mayor puts something out there, and the council does not agree with that, then the person is not selected.”

In the new process, if a candidate gets three votes from council members but not the mayor, and that person is appointed, it is consistent with the charter, Aleshire said.

To make it consistent, if the candidate is not named by the mayor, then the mayor has to make that person their appointee, he said. The mayor may also veto that appointment.

“The process of having these slates is okay, but a person cannot be put in position without the mayor ultimately agreeing with that selection,” he said. “We have a charter to work with and we have to fit within that.”

In answer to a question by Hansen, Aleshire clarified that there might be no appointments if the mayor doesn’t agree to any.

He also said that the mayor would have to vote against candidates, which the council had discussed not wanting to do at its previous meeting.

“It’s the mayor now that would be in that seat,” Aleshire said. “The mayor having this veto has that opportunity but would then have to be the bad guy in terms of not allowing somebody that has three votes to serve.”

Aleshire also suggested that since candidates can choose to apply to multiple commissions, the council should make commission appointments in ranked order, beginning with the Planning Commission.

“You should resolve that first

and then you know who’s left for the other seats,” he said.

He suggested that the council decide on the Planning Commission first, then the Civil Service Commission because of the importance of its decisions, and finally the Parks and Recreation Commission.

“If you know that the order’s going to be that way, it’s […] more predictable for all the council people making their decisions,” he said.

A final point of clarification Aleshire raised was about candidates who didn’t show up for the interview.

Woods said she had just spoken with someone who hadn’t realized she had to appear the night of the interviews, saying she wasn’t notified.

Hansen said there could be extenuating circumstances or an emergency preventing a candidate from appearing but that shouldn’t disqualify them.

Wilson added that there are people who may have already made plans for the interview night.

The council favored being flexible and evaluating the reason for an absence and also interviewing people out of town by phone, as it has done in the past.

Woods added that since the council appoints on a subsequent date, that would allow for a secondary interview time to accommodate extenuating circumstances.

In answer to a question by Jones about which policy prevails– the council’s process or the charter– Aleshire clarified that the charter gives the mayor veto authority, but the council can decide about the mayor.

“If the mayor chooses to do something different, the council can censure the person,” he said.

“The mayor can be replaced at any time. It’s never happened […] but it always could.”

Copeland said the council’s main goal should be not to confuse the public and he hopes that if the mayor wants to use a different process than the policy, that they explain it first.

Woods said that she simply hoped this council can come up with a protocol of best practices.

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act together,” she said about confusion after the previous appointment process in March.

Wilson said that the process is political and also that the council will be new the next time it makes commission appointments.

“We’re trying to set the rules for a new council, and I think that’s where the difficulty lies,” he said.

Copeland said the council is just trying to tell a new council what might work, not direct them.

“It’s when we change all the time that people get confused,” Wilson agreed.

Aleshire also agreed that clarifying a process is important for the future.

“This hasn’t really been spelled out previously,” he said. “The fact that you put it in writing and everybody has a common understanding and then you apply it several times you see how it works, and if it works out fine, you won’t have to change it, and if there are glitches, you can focus on what the glitch is and change it.”

Woods also affirmed the value of delineating a policy in advance.

“It’s good to work on these things– like the flag policy, like the appointment policy– when it’s not a hot topic where we’re under the gun to decide right now and pressure and emotions and passions are flying,” she said.

Water tax John Hunter, a representative of consultants John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc., presented to the

council on Measure W: The Safe Clean Water Program.

The measure, which was voted in on the November 2018 statewide ballot, has its roots in helping fund $20 billion to comply with a MS4 (municipal separate storm-sewer system) permit, Hunter said.

LA County had introduced the idea of a parcel tax to clean beaches in 2015, though it didn’t pass, Hunter said. Years of drought then led California to add Measure W to the 2018 ballot calling for a parcel tax to fund capturing and treating storm-water runoff. Nearly 70% of voters approved the measure.

Beginning in October, property owners will see a new fee on their property-tax bills of 2.5 cents per square foot of impermeable area, Hunter said.

“What that means is: the greater your roof is, the more concrete you have, the larger your driveways are, the higher your fees are going to be,” Hunter said. “So if you concreted your front yard, you’re going to get a higher fee than your neighbor that let it remain grass or pervious soil.”

An average single-family home can expect a fee of $65 to $90 per year, he said. Property owners can estimate their fee before they get the bill by visiting the website, safecleanwaterla.org/calculator.

Hunter said that the county used aerial photography and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) to determine the imperviousness of each parcel, but owners can appeal

if they believe their assessment is off base. “[LIDAR] is kind of like RADAR, but it uses very many frequencies of light and it’s really quite accurate,” he said. “But it’s not infallible.”

Schools and municipal properties are exempt from the tax, as are low-income seniors who own and reside at a property and file, Hunter said. Owners who already have a storm-water treatment system can also file for a partial exemption.

The county expects to generate between $265 and 285 million annually from the parcel tax, with half of the funds going to very large regional water-treatment projects, 40% toward municipal projects and 10% for county administration.

“Signal Hill can expect to get about $250,000 back as their municipal match,” he said.

The county expects to initiate the first round of regional projects in November but the transfer of municipal funds first has to be approved by the board of supervisors in February 2020 and may reach cities such as Signal Hill by May or June.

Hunter said the tax program will continue indefinitely and residents can find more information about it at safeclearnwater.org.

The next Signal Hill City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7pm in the council chamber at 2175 Cherry Ave.

16

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