December 6, 2019 | Vol. XLI No.50

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In this issue NEWS

Long Beach City Council votes to lower certain cannabis-business taxes from 6% to 1% to increase jobs.

Los Angeles Angels reach tentative deal to stay in Anaheim, Long Beach left in the dugout

Anita W. Harris Staff Writer

Page 16

Courtesy of Patricia Hay-Alexander

Thomas “Ski” Demski, a Long Beach legend, hangs out with one of his many pet birds on his famous bumper sticker truck in 1998. While “Ski” has since passed away in 2002, his legacy still lives on in his former residence in downtown Long Beach and his record-setting Superflag company.

Remembering Long Beach’s Santa Claus: Thomas “Ski” Demski

A character in his own right, Thomas “Ski” Demski was a world record-setter, a local Long Beach icon, ran for mayor and was known as Santa Claus to a generation of kids who grew up in Long Beach.

Long Beach will conduct financial audit of Queen Mary lease agreement

Page 14

COMMUNITY

Lissette Mendoza Online Editor

Thomas Demski, or “Ski” as he was most well known, once held the Guinness World Record for the largest flag. His “Superflag,” as it was know, was commissioned by Ski on June 14, 1992

Managing Editor

Page 19

and measured 225 feet by 505 feet and weighed 3,000 pounds.

Each star measures 16 feet pointto-point, takes 500 people to unfurl it and is nearly three football fields in size.

While he was internationally known for his massive flags,

which have been notably been unfurled at Super Bowls, the Hoover Dam, Charlotte Speedway and even a presidential inauguration, he was locally known to many in Long Beach as Santa Claus.

Originally from Pennsylvasee SANTA page 18

LB does away with recent tenant-relocation policies, seeks to establish security-deposit program for seniors Sebastian Echeverry

Signal Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony celebrated at the Signal Hill Public Library

December 6, 2019

The Long Beach City Council voted 8-0 on Tuesday to approve an “urgency ordinance” that would override the Tenant-Relocation Policy that the council had passed back in June. The move also called for council to seek funding to establish a security-deposit program for low-income seniors and disabled tenants.

The City’s reasoning for doing away with the local law was

to anticipate the arrival of the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (TPA), which will go into effect Jan. 1 2020. California legislators passed the TPA to offer statewide tenant protections, which Long Beach officials said would make local law inoperable.

Some local housing groups and activists saw Tuesday’s vote as a form of deception, which they claim scaled back months of work to have local passed earlier in the year.

“To be honest, I’m very dis-

gusted, yet sadly not surprised, that you all would deliberately undermine all the hard work of fellow organizations and community members,” Cynthia Macias, Housing Long Beach board president, said during the meeting’s public comment section.

The key message those opposing the measure kept telling the council was to amend the local law and not repeal it.

After asking City staff to clarify questions about tenant see TENANTS page 14

At its meeting this Tuesday, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously to reduce cannabis-business tax-rates for manufacturers, distributors and testers of marijuana products from 6% to 1% in an effort to attract more such businesses to the city and increase jobs.

Ajay Kolluri, manager of the Office of Cannabis Oversight in the city manager’s office, said that cannabis tax-rates can range from 0% to 12% by law, as approved by Long Beach voters, and currently range from 6% to 8%.

Kolluri presented results from a study the council had requested in July analyzing the fiscal and jobs impact of reducing taxes for manufacturers, distributors and testers of cannabis products according to different scenarios based on rates of 1%, 2% and 3%.

Kolluri said that while cannabis retailers account for 71% of city revenue in the 2020 budget, or about $3.2 million, manufacturers, distributors and testers of cannabis products account for only 11% of projected revenue, with cultivators contributing the remaining 18%.

He further noted that Long Beach cannabis-tax rates are competitive with local cities except for the City of Los Angeles, which imposes a 2% tax on manufacturers and 1% on distributors and testers.

“This is noteworthy for the see CANNABIS page 15

2

NEWS

Signal Tribune

Long Beach man suspected in armed robbery spree in custody

If convicted, Samuel faces a term of more than 100 years in federal prison.

City News Service Southern California Local News

A man suspected in more than 20 recent armed robberies in Los Angeles and Orange counties was in custody Monday, and authorities urged other possible victims to contact them.

Darryle Samuel, 26, of Long Beach, was arrested Nov. 20, booked on suspicion of robbery at the Sheriff’s Century Station and was being held without bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Samuel was on active parole for a previous robbery conviction at the time of his arrest, sheriff’s officials said.

“Darryle Samuel is a documented criminal street gang member with multiple felony convictions including robbery, weapons violations, carjacking and thefts,” according to the sheriff’s department. “He will soon be transferred

into federal custody where he faces felony indictments for the multiple recent armed robberies.”

If convicted, Samuel faces a term of more than 100 years in federal prison.

Detectives said the series of crimes were, “likely committed by a single suspect,” and began in early October, with the last armed robbery occurring Nov. 19.

“The lone suspect would approach store employees, point a handgun at them, and demand cash,” according to the sheriff’s department.

Following the arrest, detectives recovered a firearm, cash and clothing believed to be worn in the robberies, the sheriff’s department reported.

Anyone who believes they were victimized by Samuel was urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800222-TIPS.

December 6, 2019

Long Beach Public Library pilots social work internship program Staff Report Signal Tribune

To better meet the needs of patrons of the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) who may be experiencing homelessness, mental illness or have substance use challenges, LBPL is partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to explore models of integrating social work into its existing services.

With support from the Health Department’s Trauma and Resiliency-Informed Long Beach (TRI-LB) initiative, LBPL now has two Master’s in Social Work students from California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and the University of Southern California (USC) who are working as interns to connect LBPL patrons with social services including mental health care, legal support, food security benefits and housing resources.

“Our City’s libraries are vital to connecting communities, including our most vulnerable populations, to social work services that may lead to permanent housing or other critical services,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.

Integrating social work and libraries has been successful in other large urban public li-

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.

brary systems. The primary role of the social work interns is to build trust with all library patrons and ultimately connect them to critical resources if needed. While the interns will not be providing individual case management, their clinical social work experience provides support within a welcoming environment to these individuals who may be in need of resources.

“The Library is a place where all are welcome, and sometimes such openness invites opportunities to provide resources beyond a quiet space to read and learn,” said Glenda Williams, Director of Library Services.

“Our Social Work Intern Pilot Project is the Library’s way of proactively contributing to the City’s innovative efforts to assist people who are experiencing homelessness, mental health and addiction challenges.”

The social work interns are based at the Mark Twain Library and Billie Jean King Main Library. The pilot project is anticipated to end in May 2020. Upon completion of the pilot, project outcomes will be evaluated to determine the viability of a more comprehensive social work program at Long Beach Public Libraries.

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NEWS

December 6, 2019

3

Signal Tribune

Long Beach will conduct financial audit of Queen Mary lease agreement Sebastian Echeverry Managing Editor

The City of Long Beach announced Tuesday that City Auditor Laura Doud is conducting a financial audit of the Queen Mary’s lease agreement.

The audit will determine if the City has received funds owed as part of the agreement.

“The iconic Queen Mary has for generations been a significant and meaningful part of our City’s history, but the ship has gone through some very challenging times,” Doud stated in a press release. “Since I was first elected to this office, I have tracked the Queen Mary’s developments, voiced my concerns about the progress of capital improvements as well as City oversight of the ship, pushed for reporting transparency and conducted a number of audits of the Queen Mary.

This latest audit is a continuation of our work to ensure good

stewardship of this historical asset.”

The City stated that this audit will provide a more detailed analysis of the agreement with Urban Commons LLC, the real-estate development agency overseeing the Queen Mary.

According to the City, this will be the sixth audit Doud has worked on for the Queen Mary.

Previous reports conducted on the Queen Mary recommended improvement concerning asset management, capital improvements, internal controls and accounting, tenant contract compliance and the City’s oversight of the lease agreement.

It was previously reported in local media and the Signal Tribune that the condition that the ship found itself in raised concerns from the City. John Keisler, Long Beach director of Economic Development, had previously stated that Urban Commons had “fallen short” of the lease’s terms and asked

2009 file photo

The City of Long Beach announced Tuesday, Dec.3, that City Auditor Laura Doud is conducting a financial audit of the Queen Mary’s lease agreement. for the agency to respond to financial and physical repair requests.

Urban Commons replied in a letter on Oct. 24 stating that it would address the most pressing concerns.

According to the City, the audit will also analyze Eagle Hospitality Trust, which is a real-estate investment trust–– publicly traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange by Urban Commons–– in charge of col-

lecting private-investor funds to maintain the Queen Mary.

The final report would ensure that the financial statements recorded and what investors were advertised were in good standing.

Long Beach police arrest 11 people in illegal-gambling investigation Staff Report Signal Tribune

A raid at a Long Beach business building that served as a front for an illegal gambling operation netted 11 arrests, authorities said Wednesday morning.

Detectives and a SWAT team served a search warrant about 4:30am Monday in the 6400 block of Long Beach Boulevard and detained people in and around the location, said Shaunna Dandoy of the Long Beach Police Department.

“The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into an unlawful gambling operation,” Dandoy said.

A total of 11 illegal gambling machines and an unknown amount of cash were located and seized, police said in a statement.

Police released a list of those arrested along with the charges they face.

— Edmond Sims, a 36-yearold resident of Long Beach, was booked for willful harm on a K-9 with serious injury and resisting arrest and is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail; — Jimmy Trinh, a 45-yearold resident of Rosemead, was booked for accepting wagers and is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail; — Deandre Gregoire, a 42-year-old resident of Bellflower, was booked for an outstanding no-bail warrant; — Laura Marquez, a 35-yearold resident of Wilmington, was booked for an outstanding warrant and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail; — Jose Lara, a 27-year-old resident of Long Beach, was

booked for an outstanding warrant and is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail; — Tah Hill, a 35-year-old resident of Long Beach, was booked for an outstanding no-bail warrant; — Richard Hernandez, a 27-year-old resident of Artesia, was booked for an outstanding no-bail warrant; — Luis Magallaneszayas, a 30-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was booked for an outstanding warrant and is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail; — Eddie Escobar, a 23-yearold resident of Long Beach, was booked for two outstanding nobail warrants; — Gerrardo Lopez, a 46-yearold resident of Wilmington, was booked for an outstanding warrant and is being held in lieu of $100,00 bail; — Kianda Beard, a 30-yearold resident of Long Beach, was booked for an outstanding warrant and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Sims attempted to flee the location at the time of the raid and was caught by a police dog, then taken into custody and to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, police said.

“The department will continue to take a proactive approach to target illegal gambling activity in the city, which can often lead to other violent crimes,” Dandoy said.

Anyone with information regarding illegal gambling activity was urged to call LBPD Vice Investigations detectives at 562570-7219.

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OPINION

Signal Tribune

December 6, 2019

The First US Air Show took place in SoCal in 1910.

On Dec. 4, 1909, the first women’s aviation club in the nation was formed to raise money for an air show to be held on the mesa of Rancho Dominguez in Southern California. The Dominguez Air Meet, planned to run from Jan. 10-20, 1910, was the first air meet ever held in the United States.

Dirigible pilot Roy Knabenshue (1876-1960) and aviator Charles Willard (1883-1977) who already had plans to spend the winter season in Southern California, had contacted Glenn Curtiss who had won the world’s first aviation meet in Rheims, France, in August 1909. Rules for that meet specified that the winning nation hosts the next competition. Knabenshue asked Curtiss if he would consider joining them for an air meet in Los Angeles. Curtiss felt Los Angeles was a logical location for the meet, especially if held during the balmy winter season. The only problem was financing. In October, Knabenshue approached Los Angeles promoter Dick Ferris who accepted the challenge and proceeded to plan a larger show than Knabenshue, Willard or Curtiss ever imagined.

Dick Ferris (1864-1933) was a first-rate salesman, actor, writer and showman. He was also an officer in the Aero Club of Southern California which was established in 1908. The purpose of the club was to explore airship models, test several new types of engines and eventually build two complete machines. But Dick Ferris wanted more: to help the Southern California economy by putting the southland on the map as the center of aviation in the United States.

Ferris convinced Pacific Electric railway magnate Henry Huntington to contribute $50,000 ($1.4 million today) for an “aviation week” in Southern California. The money would be used as a guarantee to lure the top aviators in the world to America’s first air meet.

The catch was that others had to subscribe to an equal amount of money for Huntington to match it.

On November 19, 1909, the Los Angeles Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association undertook

Ghost faces I was recently digging through a closet looking for wrapping paper and found all my old yearbooks dating back to elementary school. I started flipping through page after page and saw all those young ghost faces staring back at me. Some faces were familiar but there were so many I didn’t recognize, and I started to drift off and wonder who they were, where they went, how they ended up, and how each one of us blended in with the hustle and bustle of life. I thought about how each one of those faces, now in their 50s, has a story to tell.

There was one face that I hadn’t seen in a long time that brought back memories.

In elementary school, she was my first official crush. She looked just like Tatum O’Neal in The Bad News Bears, and I happened to be madly in love with Tatum O’Neal after seeing the movie.

She was the prettiest girl in school and wore all the trendy clothes of the late 1970s. It was the time of the disco satin jackets and shorts. She was California blonde with a sun-kissed nose and the same scratchy voice as Tatum and all the boys loved her. She seemed different than all the other girls– maybe it was her edge like Tatum had in the movie.

Back in the day we were pals and played together on the playground. We shared time on book reports, group study lessons, and other things you do in third and fourth grade, but she was always a bit of a mystery to me. I knew that she lived among the kids who walked to school from the Ranchos, but I never knew what she did in her spare time, if she was into sports or other activities. I also never knew much about her or her family. I had heard her father was killed in Vietnam, but that’s about it. It didn’t really matter to me at the time because it was her looks that hooked me.

So true is the fact that girls mature faster than boys, and me

being shy didn’t work in my favor. At that age, boys must dance and prance around to get the attention from the girls. It was the good-looking boys that got that attention. This just translated into their 1970s bowl haircuts balanced out with a good pair of jeans, sneakers, and a willingness to have a fight or two on the playground. That wasn’t me.

Over two or three years, I did my best to impress her by pretending to be Gene Simmons and becoming a member of the KISS Army. I did a lot of that embarrassing prancing to gain her attention, but it fell flat.

I had made many attempts over three years, and as much as we were friends, I couldn’t win her affection. In fact, one Saturday morning I wanted to surprise her with a present, so I took the long walk from home to Palm Tree Liquor to buy a big bottle of Coke and then walk into the Ranchos.

And as an act of bravery, or of cowardice, I had that big bottle of Coke delivered to her door by a buddy who I suckered into coming with me. I just couldn’t do it myself. My friend walked down her street while “Love Will Find a Way” by Pablo Cruise played in my head. He rang the bell, she opened the door, he said: “This is from Blair.” She took the bottle and shut the door.

I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting.

Time passed and we went to different junior high schools. Between the ages of 12 and 15 she became a punk rocker and got into drugs, dated a lot of guys, and lost those great looks, though there was still some Tatum O’Neal in her face.

I saw her again in 10th grade at a house party she hosted. My band played in her garage. I was more into the speed, outrageous fashion, and energy of punk rock but she dove deeper than all that and clung to the many dysfunctional latchkey kids from broken homes

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Neena R. Strichart

STAFF WRITERS

Anita W. Harris Kristen Naeem

around the scene. I couldn’t relate so we never really spoke the same language. And although it was great to see her again and get the privilege to play in her garage, I was realistic about any chance of a romantic connection at that point.

To be completely honest, I think I did have one last ounce of hope, but it was soon extinguished when I found out she may have been dating the drummer of the rival band. I was second chair again! This time I was less concerned or jealous. I was content to see her and enjoy her punk-rock bleached blonde hair, black eyeliner and vintage dresses.

The band played our set, packed up and got the hell out of there before the beer and drugs kicked in– and before the cops showed up.

Rumor had it she dropped out of high school that summer.

Fast forward a few years and I was home for the weekend from USC. On a Sunday afternoon, I went to visit my buddy Mike who was working at one of the shops nearby. (Mike was in the band with me that played the garage party.) We were just hanging out and catching up, when out of nowhere, out of a time machine, and maybe just coincidence, she walked up to us. She must have spotted us from across the parking lot as she was headed to Alpha Beta to shop for groceries.

I recognized her immediately.

I thought “She’s still in the same scene? Doing the same thing?

Dressing the same?” Man, was I was over it. I mean, I was now immersed in the cardinal and gold and in a conservative, preppy environment. I was snobby in Academia. Besides, I had heard all those songs about anarchy and anti-Reagan already. I left punk rock at my high school graduation.

She saw me with Mike and

LEGALS COORDINATOR

Katherine Green

ONLINE EDITOR

Lissette Mendoza

see CORNER page 10

MANAGING EDITOR

Sebastian Echeverry

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Daniel Green

COLUMNISTS

Claudine Burnett Blair Cohn

the task of raising $50,000 to supplement Huntington’s gift. Some questioned the motive behind the event referring to it as a “showman’s game,” and one paper even went so far as to call it “Mr. Huntington’s circus,” intimating it was designed solely to aid streetcar traffic. But most Southern Californians were excited about the idea, many individuals sending in whatever they could afford to meet the $50,000 challenge.

Dick Ferris’ wife, actress Florence Stone, was behind the idea to get women involved. The Women’s Aviation Club was formed during a meeting at the home of Mrs. John Reavis, whose husband was a prosperous realtor. Both women were members of the Sunshine Club which had been supporting local causes since 1897.

The newly formed group planned to raise money for the air meet by organizing an excursion to Mount Lowe on January 5th. Members of the club set up ticket booths at local department stores, including Hamburger’s Department Store, the largest department store building west of Chicago. They also made sure they had club members selling tickets on the 4th floor of Hamburger’s where Glenn Curtiss had his airplane on display.

The price of a ticket was $2 ($54.50 today). Four hundred tickets were sold, not quite the 5,000 the Women’s Aviation Club had hoped for. Once at Mount Lowe, participants heard a lecture on aviation, witnessed a demonstration of searchlight-signaling done by the National Guard and enjoyed the opportunity to glimpse Halley’s Comet through the Mount Lowe telescope. An unexpected treat was snow!

Dick Ferris and the Merchants’ Association had hoped to get the support of the parent branch of the Aero Club of Southern California, but that support was not forthcoming and time was getting short. On Dec. 24, 1909, an article appeared in the Los Angeles Herald stating the Merchants’ Association was upset that the governing body see BYGONE page 17

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COMMUNITY

December 6, 2019

Signal Tribune

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A schedule of local activities and events PLANETARIUM NIGHTS What Astronomy show Who Loredana Vetere When Friday, Dec 6. from 7pm to 8pm Where Long Beach city College, 4901 E Carson St., LAC Campus, D-326 More Info Join speaker Loredana Vetere in LBCC’s planetarium for a show displayed on their dome ceiling screen preceded by a presentation about astronomy. Admission is free but seating is limited, guests are encouraged to arrive early.

HOLIDAY SCENTS What Aromatherapy class Who El Dorado Neighborhood Library When Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10am to 11am Where El Dorado Neighborhood Library, 2900 N Studebaker Rd. More Info Community members will learn about holiday scents and the use of essential oils in this free introductory class.

VEGAN FOOD COURT What Plant-based food marketplace Who Long Beach Vegan Festival When Saturday, Dec. 7 from 12pm to 5pm Where The Pike Outlets, 95 S Pine Ave. More Info A variety of vegan food vendors will gather for this monthly event. Entry is free. For more information visit https://vegandistrictlb. com/.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY What North Long Beach holiday celebration Who Dan Pressburg When Sunday, Dec. 8. from 3pm

to 6pm Where Historic Long Beach Dairy & Creamery, 167 E South St. More Info This Christmas party is open to the public and attendance is free. All attendees are asked to bring a dish to share and a wrapped Christmas ornament.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS What Christmas fair Who Rancho Los Cerritos When Sunday, Dec 8 from 1pm to 4pm Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Road More Info Attendees of this holiday fair will meet Santa, learn about 19th century Christmas traditions, make crafts and listen to live music.

Entrance is $5 per person.

RANCHO READING What Children’s story time Who Rancho Los Cerritos When Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 9:30am to 10am Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Road More Info An out loud reading of a children’s book in Rancho Los Cerritos library. Attendance is free and no registration is required.

CUENTOS Y CANTOS BILINGUAL STORY TIME What Bilingual children’s program Who Mark Twain Neighborhood

Library When Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2pm Where Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, 1401 E Anaheim St More Info This bilingual event is meant to foster a love of reading in both Spanish and English, and is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Children and their families will also be able to play games and sing in a bilingual setting.

FAMILY YOGA What All ages group yoga class Who Signal Hill Public Library When Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11am Where Signal Hill Public Library, 1800 E Hill St. More Info This beginner level yoga class is designed for the whole family. Families who participate are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat. Registration is required for this event. Registrations can be made by calling 562-989-7323 or at the library.

CANDLELIGHT TOUR What Historical holiday event Who Rancho Los Cerritos When Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5pm to 8:30pm Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Road More Info guides will lead attendees on a candlelit tour around the grounds of Rancho Los Cerritos where they will encounter costumed historical characters. General admission is $20.

LONG BEACH ART WALK What local art fair Who LB Art Walk When Saturday, Dec.14 from 5pm to 10pm Where East Village Arts District More Info Galleries and businesses will be displaying artwork for the public to see. Artists will also get a chance to sell their artwork and musicians will be playing live music. For more information visit https://artslb.org/lb-artwalk/.

EASTERN EXERCISE AT THE LIBRARY What Tai Chi class Who Signal Hill Public Library When Friday, Dec. 27 at 11:30am Where Signal Hill Public Library, 1800 E Hill St. More Info A class guided by Tai Chi instructors from the MAYE Center, which is suitable for all levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat. Registration is required for this event. Registrations can be made by calling 562989-7323 or at the library.

Send us your events for Around Town!

6

Signal Tribune

NEWS

December 6, 2019

Image taken from MLB.com/Angels

Los Angeles Angels reach tentative deal to stay in Anaheim, Long Beach left in the dugout City News Service Southern California Local News

Sebastian Echeverry Managing Editor

Check out our latest dog and cat rescue videos on our Signal Tribune Youtube channel

The Los Angeles Angels have struck a tentative deal with Anaheim that would keep the team playing in the city through at least 2050, the city announced today.

“After years of uncertainty, we have a path forward for baseball in Anaheim,” Mayor Harry Sidhu said in a statement released by the city. “This proposal reflects what we’ve heard from our community by keeping the Angels in Anaheim, bringing money for our neighborhoods and the prospect of more affordable housing, parks and jobs for Anaheim.”

Under the proposal, the Major League Baseball team would purchase Angel Stadium and the 153 acres of land on which it sits with its surrounding parking lots for $325 million. The team would also commit to playing in Anaheim through 2050, with options that could extend the deal through 2065.

The team would then have the option of either renovating the stadium or building a new one — without any financial commitment from the city.

The land around the stadium — currently a sea of parking — “could see apartments, condominiums, hotels and entertainment uses in the next 30 years as part of Anaheim’s planning for the area known as the Platinum Triangle,” according to the city.

Taken from Twitter

A tweet from Mayor Robert Garcia congratulating Anaheim and the Los Angeles Angels on a new deal for the team. The mayor has alluded that another team may take residence at the Downtown Waterfront.

That development is estimated to potentially generate at least $7 million a year in revenue for the city through hotel, property and sales taxes.

City officials said any residential development on the property could also include “affordable housing and park and public spaces beyond what is required or typically seen.”

The Anaheim City Council is expected to consider an agreement for the sale of the stadium and the land at a special meeting on Dec. 20. Other development agreements are expected to go before the council in the spring.

The team’s future in Anaheim had been in question. The city council in January approved a lease extension for the team

through Jan. 15, 2020, providing time for negotiations on an extended agreement.

At the same time, however, the team was being wooed by the city of Long Beach, which floated the possibility of building a stadium for the team on a downtown waterfront lot.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia took to Twitter to congratulate the team and the City of Anaheim for reaching a deal. Despite the fleeting vision of a sporting stadium in downtown, Garcia alluded that another sporting team may call Long Beach home.

During the Building a Better Long Beach event in September, Garcia said that the City was close to sealing the deal with either a “home run or a slam dunk.”

COMMUNITY

December 6, 2019

Signal Tribune

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Long Beach Jewish community celebrates the life of philanthropist Barbara Alpert at public memorial service Kristen Naeem Staff Writer

Long Beach resident and philanthropist, Barbara Alpert, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24. Friends and family hosted a public memorial service on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The service began with everyone standing to participate in a Jewish prayer that asked God to watch over both the soul of the late Barbara as well as her bereaved loved ones.

Barbara and her husband, Ray Alpert, were supporters of the Alpert Jewish Community Center in Long Beach, which was named in their honor, as well as the local Jewish community in general. Ray passed away five years ago.

Barbara passed away after experiencing a bout of pneumonia. She did not accept visitors outside of her family in her final weeks, but her family assured the crowded room that Barbara knew how much the community cared for her so no one should regret not getting to say their final goodbyes.

“I know for many, this was very sudden and unexpected,” Barbara’s daughter, Nancy, said. “And you wish you could have had that last chance to see her. but she was very clear about not wanting visitors. She was fighting an infection and pneumonia and all her energy

went into that. […] However, so much has been said, so many honoring parties and visits and phone calls and meal deliveries.

You have to know that she knew how much people care.”

Her children, their spouses and her grandchildren took turns speaking about Barbara for over two hours at the memorial service held at the Alpert Jewish Community Center on Tuesday. Her family had a running joke throughout the event, in which everyone who came up to speak first introduced themselves to the crowd as Barbara’s favorite.

Barbara’s granddaughter Michelle told the crowd that instead of using their financial success to live luxuriously, Barbara and Ray Alpert used their money to travel and help the community. Michelle then read aloud a letter that Barbara wrote to her family on a flight during a trip to Thailand and Myanmar.

“Now you all mean so much to me,” Barbara’s letter reads, in part. “My wish has always been for you to stay healthy.

And I love being with you […] all together. I would like to say so much, and I have said so little. […] I hope you have lucky, healthy and loved lives. There is nothing else I want. Love you too much.”

Barbara and Ray Alpert donated $1 million to Cal State

Kristen Naeem | Signal Tribune

Barbara Alpert’s family members retold their favorite stories about her to the crowd at her public memorial on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Alpert Jewish Community Center.

Long Beach’s Jewish Studies Department to create the Barbara and Ray Alpert Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies, which is currently lead by Dr. Jeffrey Blutinger and works to analyze aspects of Jewish culture, such as religion and literature, through multiple disciplines, according to CSULB’s website.

“Grandma and Grandpa’s generosity opened up doors for

Closing the gap: Long Beach ordinance to ban no-fault evictions in effect until end of 2019 Staff Report Signal Tribune

California lawmakers signed the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 earlier this year, which imposes a statewide cap on annual rent increases and prohibits evictions without just cause. That law will not go into effect until Jan. 1 2020.

To close the time gap between the end of 2019 and Jan. 1, the City of Long Beach passed an ordinance on Nov. 12 to ban no-fault evictions citywide. This ordinance is currently in effect and will go on until the end of 2019.

The ordinance states that owners of residential rental properties in Long Beach are prohibited from removing a tenant, unless the tenant is at fault, or if the unit is required by a government agency or court.

The ordinance also provides 10 other examples where a

landlord may evict a tenant.

These include non-payment of rent, breach of the material terms of the lease and criminal activity at the property.

According to a press release from the City, “The ordinance does not apply to hotels, nonprofit hospitals and other care facilities, student housing, single-family homes and duplexes which are owner-occupied.

Buildings constructed within the past 15 years are exempt, as are deed-restricted affordable housing units and units subject to an agreement that provides housing subsidies for lower-income households.”

“This new city ordinance, which temporarily prohibits no-fault evictions is an important and necessary step for renters and tenants,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “It provides fair and reasonable protections as we await the implementation of historic new state laws.”

us,” Michelle said. “Allowing us access to life changing opportunities in education and health. I’m forever grateful to them for their investment in our lives.”

The service was ended with a prayer in Hebrew and a song

by Barbara Alpert’s music group, The Barbara Alpert Chorus, which meets at the Alpert Jewish Community Center

$1

on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Barabara had been a long time member and regularly participated in the chorus.

As the chorus sang, a projector played a slideshow of pictures from Barbara’s life on the large screen at the front of the hall.

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Friday, December 6 1pm **(AMC) “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) Starring Lord Richard Attenborough. A young girl’s mother hires a department store Santa who proves that he’s genuine.

2pm **(HALL) “12 Gifts of Christmas” (2015) Starring Katrina Law. A woman is hired to become a personal shopper for an uptight, corporate executive.

3:40pm **(FREE) “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) Featuring Chris Sarandon. The scariest man in Halloween Town kidnaps Santa Claus and tries to take over Christmas.

4pm **(HMM) “Hope at Christmas” (2018) Starring Scottie Thompson. A recently divorced woman and her daughter travel to their hometown to sell a house.

5:20pm **(FREE) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) Starring Jim Carrey. A Grinch plans on stealing Christmas from the residents of Whoville, who love Christmas.

HOLIDAY TV GUIDE 9:30pm **(FREE) “The Santa Clause” (1994) Starring Tim Allen. When a father mistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magically recruited to take his place.

10pm **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Features the Waters family’s high-tech, entirely wireless light show in DeSoto, Texas .

10:05pm **(HMM) “Christmas Bells are Ringing” (2018) Starring Emillie Ullerup. A woman returns to Cape Cod for the first time after her mother’s death and falls in love.

Saturday, December 7 Noon **(BET) “A Very Soul Train Christmas.” **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” The Birkett family’s home includes a self built mine shaft filled with holiday surprises. **(FREE) “The Santa Clause” (1994) Starring Tim Allen. When a father mistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magically recruited to take his place. **(HMM) “A Christmas to Remember” (2016) Starring Mira Sorvino. A harsh TV personality gets amnesia after a car accident and a passer- by takes her in.

6pm **(HMM) “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane” (2018) Starring Alicia Witt. A sister is in charge of selling their recently deceased parents’ home.

1pm **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Features the Waters family’s high-tech, entirely wireless light show in DeSoto, Texas.

7pm **(OWN) “Baking Christmas” (2019) Starring Aloma Wright.

The owner of a successful bakery announces her plans to retire.

1:30pm **(FX) “Krampus” (2015) Starring Toni Collette. A boy who had an unhappy Christmas summons a demon to his family’s home.

8pm **(FREE) “Frosty the Snowman.” Pursued by a greedy magician and rising temperatures, Frosty sets off for the North Pole.

2pm **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Features the Gaddy family and their drive-through, seven-acre display with a Ferris wheel. **(HMM) “Two Turtle Doves” (2019) Starring Nikki Deloach. A doctor returns to her hometown in search of a beloved family heirloom.

8:05pm **(HMM) “Small Town Christmas” (2018) Starring Ashley Newbrough. An author reconnects with the man who inspired her novel and stood her up on a date.

8:30pm **(FREE) “Rudolph, the RedNosed Reindeer.” A young reindeer and an elf search for a home where they will be accepted as they are.

9pm **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” The Birkett family’s home includes a self built mine shaft filled with holiday surprises. **(OWN) “An En Vogue Christmas.” En Vogue reunites for an epic En Vogue Christmas concert to keep a club from closing.

3pm **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” The Richards and Silver families are neighbors showcasing their holiday displays.

3:30pm **(FX) “Almost Christmas” (2016) Starring Kimberly Elise.

After the death of his wife, a man asks his family for one gift: for them to get along.

4pm **(CMT) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” The Tristan family and their winter wonderland full of nostalgic and whimsical characters. **(HMM) “Our Christmas Love Song” (2019) A country-singer is accused of plagiarizing her holiday single.

5pm **(FOOD) “Holiday Baking Championship.” The seven remaining bakers get creative with Thanksgiving-inspired desserts.

6pm (LIFE) “Mistletoe and Menorahs” (2019) Starring Kelley Jakle. A young woman learns to appreciate holiday traditions.

6:15pm **(FREE) “Frosty the Snowman” Pursued by a greedy magician and rising temperatures, Frosty sets off for the North Pole.

6:45pm **(FREE) “Rudolph, the RedNosed Reindeer.” A young reindeer and an elf search for a home where they will be accepted as they are.

7pm **(FOOD) “Holiday Baking Championship.” The bakers celebrate a couple of favorites by reinventing two Hanukkah classics.

7:30pm **(TNT) “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” The story of the Grinch, who decides to steal Christmas from the citizens of Whoville.

7:50pm **(FREE) “Home Alone”” (1990) Starring Macaulay Culkin. A young boy must fend off burglars after his family accidentally leaves him home alone.

8pm **(AMC) “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) Starring Chevy Chase. A man plays host to numerous dysfunctional relatives during the Christmas holidays. **(LIFE) “Christmas Unleashed” (2019) Starring Vanessa Lachey.

A young woman teams up with her ex-boyfriend to find her lost puppy on Christmas. **(TNT) “A Christmas Story” (1983) Starring Peter Billingsley.

In the ‘40s, a young boy wants only one thing from Santa: an official Red Ryder BB gun.

8:05pm **(HMM) “Nostalgic Christmas” (2019) Starring Brooke D’Orsay.

A woman helps close her family’s toy store, and brings a dose of Christmas cheer to town.

10pm **(TNT) “A Christmas Story” (1983) Starring Peter Billingsley.

In the ‘40s, a young boy wants only one thing from Santa: an official Red Ryder BB gun.

Sunday, December 8 Noon **(FREE) “Prancer Returns” (2001) Starring John Corbett. A boy’s care and concern for an orphaned reindeer brings his town and family together.

2pm **(HMM) “Family for Christmas” (2015) Starring Lacey Chabert. A highly ambitious

anchorwoman makes an offhand wish to an office party Santa.

3pm **(FX) “The Night Before” (2015) Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Three friends hit the town on Christmas Eve as they bring an annual tradition to an end. **(ION) “Christmas Belle” (2013) Starring C. Thomas Howell. A man and woman fall for each other when he hires her to help him sell his home.

4pm **(AMC) “The Polar Express” (2004) Voices of Tom Hanks.

A doubting little boy boards a magical train to visit the North Pole on Christmas Eve. **(HMM) “Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas” (2018) Starring Megan Park. A canceled flight lands two unlikely strangers together.

4:10pm **(FREE) “Home Alone” (1990) Starring Macaulay Culkin. A young boy must fend off burglars after his family accidentally leaves him home alone.

5pm **(TCM) “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” (1947) Starring Don DeFore. While a family is away for Christmas, a hobo and his friends live in their mansion.

6pm **(AMC) “Elf” (2003) Starring Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elf at the North Pole travels to New York to find his true father.

8pm **(AMC) “Elf” (2003) Starring Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elf at the North Pole travels to New York to find his true father. **(LIFE) “Grounded for Christmas” (2019) Starring Juliana Guill. A woman reluctantly invites a fellow pilot to stay at her parent’s home for the holidays.

9pm **(ION) “A Cinderella Christmas” (2016) Starring Emma Rigby. A fledgling event planner falls for a wealthy playboy at a masquerade ball.

10pm **(AMC) “The Polar Express” (2004) Voices of Tom Hanks.

A doubting little boy boards a magical train to visit the North Pole on Christmas Eve. 10:05pm **(HMM) “Christmas in Angel Falls” (2017) Starring Rachel Boston. Guardian Angel Gaby is sent to the town of Angel Falls to restore it’s Christmas Spirit.

Monday, December 9 2pm **(AMC) “A Miracle on Christmas Lake” (2016) Starring Will Sasso. A teen discovers a magical hockey rink and must protect it from greedy land developers. **(HALL) “Miss Christmas” (2017) Starring Brooke D’Orsay. A woman is in search of the perfect Christmas tree.

December 6, 2019 **(HMM) Movie “Our Christmas Love Song” (2019) A country-singer is accused of plagiarizing her holiday single.

2:10pm **(FREE) “Home Alone: The Holiday Heist” (2012) Starring Christian Martyn. A young boy sets up traps for ghosts, but catches a group of thieves instead.

3pm **(FOOD) “Holiday Baking Championship.” The seven remaining bakers get creative with Thanksgiving inspired desserts.

4pm **(HALL) “Let It Snow” (2013) Starring Candace Cameron Bure.

An executive is conflicted when she is sent to turn a charming lodge into a modern resort.

4:20pm **(FREE) “Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special.” Po is caught between family traditions and warrior duties when he hosts the Winter Feast.

5pm **(FOOD) “Holiday Baking Championship.” The bakers celebrate a couple of favorites by reinventing two Hanukkah classics.

6pm **(HALL) “A December Bride” (2016) Starring Daniel Lissing.

An aspiring interior designer dreads the wedding of her cousin, who is marrying her ex. **(HMM) “Once Upon a Christmas Miracle” (2018) Starring Aimee Teegarden. A woman falls in love with her liver donor; their story is followed over three Christmases.

7pm **(AMC) “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) Starring Lord Richard Attenborough. A young girl’s mother hires a department store Santa who proves that he’s genuine.

9:30pm **(AMC) “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) Starring Lord Richard Attenborough. A young girl’s mother hires a department store Santa who proves that he’s genuine.

10:05pm **(HALL) “12 Gifts of Christmas” (2015) Starring Katrina Law. A woman is hired to become a personal shopper for an uptight, corporate executive.

Tuesday, December 10 2pm **(HMM) “Catch a Christmas Star” (2013) Starring Shannon Elizabeth. A pop star reunites with her first love, but the pressures of fame could tear them apart.

4pm **(HALL) “A Christmas Detour” (2015) Starring Candace Cameron Bure. Two NYC-bound travelers find themselves linked when a storm delays a flight.

NEWS

December 6, 2019

Signal Tribune

9

George Takei’s ‘They Called Us Enemy’ graphic novel chosen to kick-start Long Beach Reads One Book at LBCC after 6-year hiatus Staff Report Signal Tribune

After being on a hiatus for six years, a popular reading program dubbed Long Beach Reads One Book returns to Long Beach City College. The Long Beach Community Foundation selected actor and social-justice activist George Takei’s “They Called Us Enemy” graphic novel to reignite the program.

“They Called Us Enemy” is a graphic memoir recounting Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American internment camps during World War II, and his firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys of childhood and the terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother’s hard choices, his father’s faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future.

“Long Beach City College is proud to be part of the movement to bring Long Beach Reads One Book back,” LBCCD Superinten-

dent-President Dr. Reagan Romali said. “Participating in this wonderful citywide effort is a unique way to promote education in our community.”

Founded in 2002, Long Beach Reads One Book is a community-focused cultural project designed to bring people together, foster community, and to raise the enjoyment of literacy by encouraging everyone in Long Beach to read the same book at the same time. The Long Beach Public Library Foundation organized this annual citywide effort until 2013.

Over the next few months, residents are encouraged to read Takei’s book, which is available for purchase at Gatsby Books in Long Beach, major retail and online bookstores and at both LBCC Viking Bookstores at the Liberal Arts Campus and Pacific Coast Campus.

The foundation is planning to close the program on March 19, 2020, with a community book event at the college with special guest Takei.

Photo by Sean Macgowan | Courtesy LBCC

The popular Long Beach Reads One Book program has been revitalized by the Long Beach City College Foundation and Long Beach City College after a six-year hiatus, the foundation announced Monday, Dec. 2. The New York Times Bestselling graphic novel “They Called Us Enemy” by actor, author and social justice activist George Takei was selected to kick-off the reactivation of Long Beach Reads One Book.

LA County voters set to decide fate of fire department funding measure in March The Los Angeles County Supervisors state increased wildfire activity and other emergency calls have depleted funding.

Staff Report Signal Tribune

The Board of Los Angeles County Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to place a measure to raise “much-needed” revenue for the Los Angeles County Fire Department on the upcoming March ballot, 4th District Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office stated.

Should voters approve by a two-thirds vote, the resulting parcel tax of $0.06 per square foot would collect approximately $134 million a year from residents. Government parcels, non-profits, and low-income seniors would be exempt from the parcel tax.

According to the press release, the funds would be used to hire and train additional firefighters and paramedics and replace aging safety gear, communications tools and lifesaving rescue equipment.

“Our residents have always been able to count on our LA County firefighters and paramedics in their moment of need, but now they need us,” Hahn said. “Our firefighters are fighting bigger and more dangerous fires, and our paramedics are responding to record numbers of 911 medical calls. Their budget has been stretched to the breaking point, and we cannot take them for granted. This March, voters will have the opportunity to give these men and women the resources they need to do their jobs protecting communi-

ties and saving lives each and every day.”

The Los Angeles County Fire Department serves 58 of the county’s 88 cities and all of its unincorporated areas, including county beaches which make up the County’s Consolidated Fire Protection District. The LA County Fire Department is not funded through the County’s general fund. Instead, the Fire District is responsible for raising its own revenue via property taxes collected within the district.

The funding collected has not kept up with the department’s growing resource needs, according to Hahn’s office.

Over the past decade, the demand on the department for emergency medical services has grown exponentially. Since 2008, LA County has seen an over 50% increase in calls for assistance in medical emergencies, such as strokes, heart attacks and car accidents, the press release stated.

In that same time period, there has been less than a 5% increase in paramedic units to respond to those calls. The Fire District currently lacks the funding to meet national standard staffing levels as set by the National Fire Protection Association.

“When you call 911, you know help is coming. For us, this is our 911,” LA County Firefighter/Paramedic Erin Regan was quoted in the press release. “We are asking you for this measure because our fire-

fighters and paramedics in the field need more resources.”

According to the press release, a May 2018 needs assessment found that additional funding is needed to hire and train more firefighters, to maintain, upgrade and replace its safety

equipment, emergency-communication systems, facilities, life-saving devices and vehicles.

The Woolsey Fire After Action Review released in October 2019 showed that mutual aid agreements with fire departments across the state failed to

bring the needed resources and firefighters to fight Woolsey.

Both the Camp Fire and Hill Fire began shortly before the Woolsey Fire, exhausting the fire services mutual aid system up and down the state.

10

Signal Tribune

COMMUNITY

The memorial created at Bluff Park on Monday, Dec. 2 in honor of those who have died due to HIV/AIDS.

December 6, 2019

Kristen Naeem | Signal Tribune

LGBTQ Center of Long Beach hosts candlelit walk and vigil for World AIDS Day Kristen Naeem Staff Writer

The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach held a candlelit walk and vigil on Monday, Dec. 2 in honor of World AIDS Day, which took place on Sunday, Dec. 1.

The event is meant to honor and memorialize those who have died due to HIV/AIDS. Those participating in the vigil gathered at the LGBTQ Center and walked down Junipero Avenue holding candles, stopping at Bluff Park in down-

town.

Aside from candles, attendees also carried framed pictures of red ribbons with the names and ages of individuals who died as a result of health complications caused by HIV/AIDS. Many of those walking had red ribbons pinned to their clothing as well.

Once at Bluff Park, the framed names were set down in front of cardboard cut outs of red ribbons and candles were lit in front of them. A semi- circle was formed around the memorial and people took turns saying

the names of loved ones who died as a result of HIV/AIDS. A moment of silence for those who died was observed followed by extinguishing the candles.

Members of the nonprofit group, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, also participated in the event. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence consists of queer and transgender individuals who work together to perform community outreach and advocate for marginalized people.

“What we do, basically, is raise money for the communi-

ty,” Sister Burna Cross of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence told the Signal Tribune. “So everything that comes in, 100% of the money goes right back out.

And we make sure we bring joy to everybody that we touch base with.”

Cross has participated in the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach’s annual World AIDS Day vigil for the past eight years and told the Signal Tribune that the event has grown in size over the years.

The Sisters of Perpetual In-

dulgence models itself after groups of Catholic nuns who perform charity work for their communities. The members use the title of “Sister” before their names and sometimes attend events in colorful nun-inspired costumes. One member of the nonprofit who came in full costume to the World AIDS Day Vigil on Dec. 2 was Sister Caryn Soul who, along with a decorative veiled headpiece and dress, also painted glittery red ribbons on her face.

“It can be nerve wracking and maddening,” Sister Caryn Soul said in regards to the stigma individuals who are HIV/AIDS positive often face. “But again it just shows that we need to have more education out there [on] the real [causes of] it, like sexual contact and blood. Kissing and toilets do not give it to you. Just remember to be nice, because you never know what someone is dealing with.”

Despite the loss of life caused by the disease, Soul noted that progress is still steadily being made in combating HIV/AIDS, such as the creation of PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medication that can prevent HIV/AIDS. “I always feel like we’re moving forward, it may not be grandiose, but there’s always some kind of movement,” Soul told the Signal Tribune. “[…] We’ve made lots of advancements in these past few years. We’re coming out with PrEP, which reduces your chance of contracting HIV/AIDS. We have undetectable people [whose] viral load is so low that they can’t transmit it either. So there’s been a lot of advancements.”

Corner continued from page 4

C O U NC I LM EM BER R OBE RT O URA NGA W A R M L Y I N V I TE S Y O U TO THE 6 6TH AN NUAL

DAISY AVENUE CHRISTMAS TREE LANE PARADE

came up to talk. She was friendly enough and very comfortable as if no time had passed. But then in a sarcastic, sardonic post-punk tone she said, “Hey, you’re going to give me and my mom a ride home.” It was like Tatum O’Neal standing right there giving me orders. In a flash I thought about the missed chances, all the time at recess, the times running around the playground and that big bottle of Coke delivery.

I replied with a confused and annoyed grin, “I am?”

She said “Yep. I’ll be right back.”

I watched her walk six doors down and enter Alpha Beta to get her mom.

Then I thought, “Yeah, right.”

December 14, 2019 | 5-8 PM Daisy Ave, From Hill to PCH Long Beach CA 90806

I wasn’t going to be a sucker and drive her groceries home. I said no to déjà vu.

Once she was out of sight, I quickly said goodbye to Mike with a bit of a laugh and then raced back up the 110 freeway to

school. I remember hopping out of the car, grabbing all my stuff and running into my apartment. I left her, and all that baggage, behind me.

Looking back now I wonder if she sobered up, moved away, settled into a normal suburban life, or became a casualty?

Going through the pages of all my yearbooks, I could write a ton of stories and anecdotes about those smiling faces. And it’s kind of fun to speculate what had happened to whom. But page after page I wonder about the journey and where everyone is now.

Where did they disappear to? Are any of them the ones driving by each day? Are they in the supermarkets while we do our shopping? Who came out? Who went on to become teachers, CEOs, accountants, scientists, designers, doctors or politicians? Who fought overseas? Who succeeded and who failed? Who passed away?

All those faces have their own stories to tell. People come and go all through our lives and some leave an indelible mark, and the funny or quirky memories that remain fresh some 40 years later.

Signal Tribune

December 6, 2019

“Spirit of Christmas on Daisy Avenue - 2019” Thank you to our major sponsors!

Sunday, December 15 20th Street and Daisy Avenue Entertainment Schedule

7:00pm 186 Street International Choir

7:30pm Demprebrah West African Drum & Dance Santa and WANA Salute Our Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane 2019 Sponsors Supporters Santa, WANA and Friends of WANA Salute Our Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane 2019 Sponsors & Supporters Platinum Circle The Honorable Roberto Uranga, Long Beach 7th District Councilman Price Transfer John Deats Maria Norvell The Signal Tribune Jim Trout LB Conservation Corps Long Beach Office of Filming & Special Events Port of Long Beach

Gold Circle

The Honorable Janice Hahn, LA County Supervisor Carpenters Local Union 562 Chuck Butcher

Silver Circle

Arts Council for Long Beach Signal Hill Petroleum, Inc.

Bronze Circle

The Honorable Lena Gonzales, State Senate District 33 The Honorable Patrick O’Donnell, State Assembly District 70 The Honorable John Allen,

Water Replenish District of Southern California Anonymous Resident of Daisy Avenue Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria Robert Fox Joan Greenwood Law Offices of Keesal, Young and Logan Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau Long Beach Grand Prix Association Long Beach Police Officers Association Long Beach Federal Credit Union Long Beach Fire Fighters Union Local 372 West Long Beach Association

Friends of Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Hector Anvil Connie & Will Chick John & Cindy Cross Tim Gardener Patty Hillis Bill Humphrey Abigail Mejia Juan Ovalle Betty Prokopowich Richard Short Richard & Shirley Slaughter Regina Taylor Felton Williams

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8:00pm Paisakes De Mexico (Folklorico)

8:30pm Serena Serpentina Fire Dancers

Celebrating Tradition The Port of Long Beach and the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade – two local institutions serving our community for decades. Happy Holidays to all!

12

CULTURE

Signal Tribune

December 6, 2019

Theatre review:

Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s The Plot to Overthrow Christmas

Anita W. Harris Culture Writer

If you’ve never seen a realistic reindeer, now’s your chance.

One of Santa Claus’ sleigh-pullers makes a fabulous appearance in the Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s (LBSC) The Plot to Overthrow Christmas.

This hour-long rhyming holiday tribute is engaging for children and adults alike, with a variety of songs, two poems, a saxophone solo and a nefarious plot to end Christmas once and for all.

Though the story begins in Hell– probably the furthest point possible from the North Pole– it’s a place made more funny than scary by over-thetop performances of its worstof-the-worst residents, including the Roman Emperor Nero (Leonardo Lerma), Ivan the Terrible (Cole B. Norcio) and the devil Mephisto (Jennipher Lewis). This sordid gang soon hatches a plot to take down Santa and rid the world of good cheer.

Nero is sent to do the deed with the aid of an ingenious “Surface Helevator.” As with most travel tales, however, the journey is as much fun as the destination. Nero’s elevator stops at various locations en

route to the North Pole– Italy, England, the Yukon and even California– and at each place we are gifted with a memorable story, poem or song inflecting on Christmas in some way.

The players delight as their evil characters but especially in their individual performances at each location. Rachel Speth, who plays the suspected assassin Lucretia Borgia, tells of an Italian witch who also gives gifts and she later performs on sax. Norcio movingly recites A.A. Milne’s poem, “King John’s Christmas” about poor little John’s holiday wish, while Ian Stewart Riley masterfully narrates “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service, set in Alaska during the gold rush.

Riley’s voice also shines when he and Norcio sing The Kinks’s “Father Christmas.” Rishab, as slave-owner Simon Legree, backs them up on his guitar.

Lerma excels as the clownishly arrogant but coachable Nero, including an enlightening encounter with Santa Claus (a well-cast Andy Kallok). And Lewis rounds out the cast as the highly engaging narrator and absolutely riotous devil in Hell, clad in a red dress and sparkly tail. Though we don’t see her, Jo McLachlan lends her voice

Bienvenidos!

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Jennipher Lewis as Mephisto in Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s The Plot to Overthrow Christmas

as Sotto Voce, who periodically interjects to define terms.

Set designer Tim Leach uses video projection to evoke both the flames of Hell and the frosty north. He is also the creator of that marvelous reindeer, previously used on the set of the film The Santa Clause, controlled by two operators through cords and levers backstage. Such effects are somehow more magical at this time of year, when disbelief is suspended and hearts and

minds opened.

Director Brando Cutts notes that The Plot to Overthrow Christmas is dedicated to the late Helen Borgers, after whom LBSC’s theatre is named. The tightly rhyming play was written by her father’s close friend, Norman Corwin, and the two poems recited so well were among her favorites. Yet another reason to start the holiday season with this charmingly twisted, spirited play.

The Plot to Overthrow Christmas continues at the Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., through Dec. 15, with shows Fridays (except Dec. 6) and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Ticket prices are $12.50 and $22.50. For tickets and information, call (562) 997-1494 or visit LBShakespeare.org.

HOLIDAY TV GUIDE

December 6, 2019 **(HMM) “A Merry Christmas Match” (2019) Starring Ashley Newbrough. A woman has a chance encounter with a ‘Christmas Catch Ryder’ and sparks fly.

5pm **(BBC) “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) Starring Lord Richard Attenborough. A young girl’s mother hires a department store Santa who proves that he’s genuine.

residents of Whoville, who love Christmas.

10pm **(AMC) “The Polar Express” (2004) Voices of Tom Hanks.

A doubting little boy boards a magical train to visit the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Wednesday, December 11

6pm **(AMC) “The Polar Express” (2004) Voices of Tom Hanks.

A doubting little boy boards a magical train to visit the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

1pm **(WE) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Twenty families from across America decorate their homes to the extreme for Christmas.

8pm **(AMC) “Elf” (2003) Starring Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elf at the North Pole travels to New York to find his true father. **(NBC) “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.” Ellen, along with her celebrity friends, deliver incredible holiday gifts to people. **(TLC) “OutDaughtered.” Danielle and Adam are determined to give their daughters the best Christmas ever.

1:15pm **(EWTN) “Feasts With the Friar.” Father John teaches about the Advent wreath.

8:05pm **(HMM) “Christmas in Angel Falls” (2017) Starring Rachel Boston. Guardian Angel Gaby is sent to the town of Angel Falls to restore it’s Christmas Spirit.

8:20pm **(FREE) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) Starring Jim Carrey. A Grinch plans on stealing Christmas from the

2pm **(HMM) “A Christmas to Remember” (2016) Starring Mira Sorvino. A harsh TV personality gets amnesia after a car accident and a passerby takes her in. **(WE) “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Twenty families from across America decorate their homes to the extreme for Christmas.

4pm **(HALL) “A Royal Christmas” (2014) Starring Stephen Hagan.

A woman is whisked away to Europe when her boyfriend reveals he’s actually a prince.

5:20pm **(FREE) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) Star-

ring Jim Carrey. A Grinch plans on stealing Christmas from the residents of Whoville, who love Christmas.

6pm **(AMC) “Elf” (2003) Starring Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elf at the North Pole travels to New York to find his true father. **(HALL) “Mingle All the Way” (2018) Starring Jesse Arthur Carroll. A young entrepreneur invents a new dating app designed to help singles find dates. **(HMM) “Christmas Bells are Ringing” (2018) Starring Emillie Ullerup. A woman returns to Cape Cod for the first time after her mother’s death and falls in love.

8pm **(AMC) “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) Starring Chevy Chase. A man plays host to numerous dysfunctional relatives during the Christmas holidays. **(FREE) “Same Time, Next Christmas” (2019) Starring Lea Michele. Woman who met her childhood sweetheart while on vacation is re- united with him years later. **(NBC) “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.” Ellen, along with her celebrity friends, deliver incredible holiday gifts to people.

10:05pm **(HMM) “Journey Back to Christmas” (2016) Starring Candace Cameron Bure. A WWII-era nurse is transported in time to 2016, and learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Thursday, December 12 Noon **(HALL) “Christmas Land” (2015) Starring Nikki Deloach. A woman inherits a Christmas tree farm from her grandmother and decides she must sell it. **(HMM) “Tis the Season for Love” (2015) Starring Garry Chalk. An actress returns home, where a Christmas romance could be better than Broadway.

1:35pm **(FREE) “The Perfect Holiday” (2007) Starring Morris Chestnut.

A department store Santa helps a young girl find her mother a new husband.

2pm **(HMM) “Nostalgic Christmas” (2019) Starring Brooke D’Orsay.

A woman helps close her family’s toy store, and brings a dose of Christmas cheer to town.

13

Signal Tribune

green” (2017) Starring Ashley Williams. A wish upon a snow globe for a romantic Christmas comes true.

6:50pm **(FREE) “The Santa Clause” (1994) Starring Tim Allen. When a father mistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magically recruited to take his place.

7pm **(FOOD) “Christmas Cookie Challenge.” Host Eddie Jackson welcomes five fabulously festive cookie makers into Santa’s workshop.

8pm **(ABC) Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Olaf and Sven search for the best traditions to bring home for Anna and Elsa’s Christmas. **(NBC) “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.” Ellen, along with her celebrity friends, deliver incredible holiday gifts to people.

8:30pm **(ABC) “Toy Story That Time 4pm Forgot.” Trixie the triceratops **(HMM) “Northern Lights of helps the gang to return to BonChristmas” (2018) Starring Ashley nie’s room.

Williams. A woman’s goals are thrown off course when she inher- 10pm its a reindeer farm. **(NBC) “A Legendary Christmas With John and Chrissy.”

5:45pm John Legend, Chrissy Teigen and **(AMC) “National Lampoon’s their friends and family get into Christmas Vacation” (1989) Star- the holiday spirit. ring Chevy Chase. A man plays host to numerous dysfunctional 10:05pm relatives during the Christmas **(HMM) “A Veteran’s Christholidays. mas” (2018) Starring Eloise Mumford. When a veteran 6pm returns home, she meets and falls **(HALL) “Christmas in Everin love with a judge.

HolidayTV | Favorite Wholesome Families

Our favorite wholesome holiday families

T

hese wholesome families may face their share of challenges, but they stick together and love each other through their times of need.

by Shona Dustan

The Cratchits “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)

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What is a Christmas list without a mention of this abiding favorite? George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart, “Vertigo,” 1958) has been sacrificing his own Do nd rt a wellbeing for others his whole life. He loses hearing in wa e t S Ji m m y one ear saving his brother from a frozen pond. He gives up world travel and a college education to save his father’s business and send his brother to college. He gives up his honeymoon and his savings to keep the business solvent and save the people of Bedford Falls. When George finally (maybe inevitably) cracks, his loving family is his lifeline, and is there to help him pick up the pieces. Donna Reed (“From Here to Eternity,” 1953) is wonderful as Mary, George’s wife, who has been in love with him since they were teenagers, and Todd Karns (“The Courtship of Andy Hardy,” 1942) plays George’s brother, Harry. nn

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“Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944)

It should come as no surprise that many of these pure, happy families can be found in old classics like this one. While the film spans an entire year in the lives of the Smith family, the story’s climax happens at Christmas time, and it’s the film that gave us the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” so how could we consider it anything but a holiday classic? When the st n ie Br Smith family patriarch ’ O r et announces that the family rga Ma d n nd a will be moving from St. Louis to J u d y G a rl a New York City in the new year, all four Smith sisters (and their mom) are utterly devastated. While they make their displeasure known, the entire film is centered around togetherness, and the idea that a family can be happy wherever they are, as long as they have each other. It’s a touching, happy film that will fill you with Christmas spirit, and it stars the great Judy Garland (“A Star Is Born,” 1954), as well as Margaret O’Brien (“The Secret Garden,” 1949), Mary Astor (“The Maltese Falcon,” 1941) and more.

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The Smiths

Ok, so I could have chosen any adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” but what can I say? I love the Muppets. Bob Cratchit (played in this adaptation by the fantastic Kermit the Frog) and his family are the epitome of good.

A hard worker and loving father, Bob does his best to make ends meet, despite his nasty boss’s miserly and abusive ways. So unpleasant is this u eM “Th boss, Ebeneezer Scrooge (Michael Caine, “The Dark f ro m e n e c s A Knight,” 2008), that his name has become synonymous with words like cheapskate and misanthropist (meanie, tightwad, I could go on).

While Scrooge is being whisked away by ghosts and learning just how wrong he’s been, Bob Cratchit returns to his meager home to tell his hungry family that there will be no Christmas bonus, or even a day off — and how do they respond? The family bands together, comforts one another and enjoys their sad Christmas meal despite the poor conditions in which they find themselves.

14

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December 6, 2019

Tenants continued from page 1

Taken from longbeach.granicus.com

This slide was shown during a Long Beach City Council meeting where officials discussed overriding the local tenant-relocation protection policy to make way for the statewide law slated to go into effect Jan. 1 2020. The slide compares the local law to the new state law.

Lissette Mendoza | Signal Tribune

Zendejas was sworn in both English and Spanish by Javier and Hilda Ortiz, longtime supporters and owners of Kress Market on Pine Avenue.

Mary Zendejas sworn in as the 1st District Councilmember Lissette Mendoza Online Editor

Mary Zendejas was sworn in as the First District Councilwoman during the Long Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday night.

Zendejas was sworn in both English and Spanish by Javier and Hilda Ortiz, longtime supporters and owners of Kress Market on Pine Ave. Zendejas thanked the crowd, “I just wanted to say thank you, thank you so much for being

here. It’s such an honor to be city councilwoman Zendejas tonight.� “I love Long Beach, I’ve loved it since the first time I rolled upon it and I can’t wait to see all the exciting things that we’re going to do together,� Zendejas continued.

She thanked her supporters and commended her former running mates for their courage and passion to make Long Beach better. “I’m really excited to join these wonderful council people

behind me [‌] in order to make it a better place for everybody to live,� she continued before receiving a standing ovation and ascending upon her councilmember chair.

Zendejas garnered 858 votes, over 31% of votes during the Long Beach special election held on Nov. 5. She will serve the term until 2022.

The special election was held for the 1st District Council seat that was vacated by Lena Gonzalez who is now a state senator.

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protections and the differences between the state and local law, Mayor Robert Garcia, 2nd District Councilmember Jeannine Pearce and 9th Disctrict Councilmember Rex Richardson said they felt comfortable voting in favor of the ordinance knowing that the state TPA would cover a broader scope of tenants than the local law would.

During the presentation segment of the agenda hearing, City officials said building-permit data showed that the local tenant-protection regulations only covered about 3,311 units, while the new state law would cover approximately 69,299 units.

A city staff report indicated that the local tenant-relocation payments owed by landlords was triggered if rent jumped 10% under the current city ordinance.

However, the report shows that payments would be triggered at 5% under the upcoming state law.

Acting City Manager Tom Modica noted that local law did not include restrictions on rent increases, but that the TPA did.

The ordinance also included a security-deposit program for low-income seniors and disabled tenants, which would be funded via non-General Fund revenue.

The council voted to approve the security-deposit program and to discuss funding for it at a later date.

Although the urgent ordinance was passed and would not kick in until the end of December, those opposing the council’s decision hearkened back to the passing of the no-fault eviction moratorium, which was approved on Nov. 12.

That decision protected tenants in Long Beach from being evicted without just cause. Housing activists viewed the moratorium as a victory for tenant protections citywide, even though it was temporary and would last until the end of the year. “Was that done just to appease your conscience because you knew you would repeal tenant relocation [protections] afterwards?� asked Macias. “Do surgery with a scalpel, not a hacksaw.�

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NEWS

December 6, 2019

Cannabis

Signal Tribune

15

continued from page 1

fact that L.A. is our direct neighbor and widely considered the future hub of commercial cannabis activity,” Kolluri said.

Reducing taxes would theoretically make the city more competitive for those currently under-represented businesses in the city, but it is only one of many variables, he noted.

The City currently projects a tax-revenue loss from this segment of the cannabis industry of about $223,000 at the current 6% tax rate, Kolluri said. A “low” growthrate of five new business licenses, for a total of 57 total new licenses, would still result in a revenue loss of about $210,000 with a 3% tax rate. The only projection that yields a relatively small increase of about $4,500 in revenue at the 3%-tax rate is a “high-growth” scenario of 50 additional licenses.

“In nearly every scenario, the General Fund continues to project a net-revenue loss from a reduction in cannabis tax-rates,” Kolluri said.

“Staff projects that reducing cannabis business license tax rates will result in a fiscal-year 2020 General-Fund revenue loss of between $220,000 and $350,000, depending upon the rate selected.”

In terms of jobs, Kolluri said that the industry currently employs 674 in the industry, based on a consultant’s survey of 60 respondents. Reducing the tax rate could generate anywhere from 35 to 390 additional industry jobs. Of those, testing labs hire the most on average and offer the highest salaries, Kolluri said.

During public comment, only one resident– Larry Goodhew– objected to lowering the tax rate.

“What the City Council should do is set the rate so it is the highest in this country,” he said. “What would be next? Are you going to legalize prostitution?”

But several other members of the public expressed support for a 1% or lower tax rate, citing pressure on businesses to compete enough to survive, given the alternative of lower-priced black-market products.

Omer Saar of the distributor Feel Good Sales Group was one of those.

“If you’re concerned about the safety [of] the residents and you want to put out the black market, making licensed businesses more competitive will help do that,” he said. “The current tax revenue is absolutely killing us. It’s put most businesses out of business.”

Hab Haddad of Greenpoint Group consulting advocated a tax rate of less than 1%.

“California’s regulated market is spiraling down toward a collapse from taxes on business and consumers, widening the price gap between illicit and regulated products, which will further drive consumers to the illicit market, […] putting people’s lives at risk.”

Elliot Lewis, owner of retail dispensaries, also advocated for a 1% rate.

“I think you’ll see an explosion of growth,” he said.

Gregory Lefian, CEO of Chronic Pain Relief Center and member of the board of directors of the Long

Beach Collective Association, to which several of the public speakers also belonged, said he employs 30 people in his retail business.

“I know that 1% of something is much more than 6% of nothing and a lot of these businesses are having trouble getting off the ground,” he said.

Every council member also expressed support for the tax-rate change, mostly citing the need to grow the industry to create jobs, though remaining conscious of the impact to the budget.

Councilmember Rex Richardson said he was especially interested in creating manufacturing jobs and said the three facilities he recently toured employ skilled workers.

“What I saw was investment,” he said. “What I saw was jobs. What I didn’t see was vacant warehouses.”

Richardson also estimated that the impact to the approximately $550-million General Fund would be only .0004% to 0006%, which he said was small compared to potentially creating nearly 400 new jobs. He made a motion to lower the rate to 1%.

Councilmember Al Austin sec-

Aphiwat chuangchoem via Pexels

At its Tuesday, Dec. 3 meeting, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously to reduce cannabis-business tax-rates for manufacturers, distributors and testers of marijuana products from 6% to 1% in an effort to attract more such businesses to the city and increase jobs.

onded the motion, citing the need to remain competitive in the region.

“Cannabis is a revenue and jobs generator,” he said.

Austin also asked staff for a report comparing manufacturing tax rates with other industries and to analyze the impact of lowering the tax rate after 18 months.

Councilmember Suzie Price also expressed her support of the

change, citing the high cost of starting a testing lab and the value of regulated products.

“As a prosecutor, I see every single day what happens when substances are mixed together without having gone through consumer protections,” she said. “It can be deadly.”

Vice Mayor Dee Andrews suggested an even lower tax rate of

.5%.

“We need a new kickstart,” he said. “If we don’t make money, we create crime […]. Jobs will stop a bullet.”

Charles Parkin, city attorney, said that the council will need to approve a forthcoming ordinance changing the tax rate with a minimum of five votes, which would then take effect after 30 days.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Wednesday, November 27 12:23pm, Auto burglary, 1800 block Obispo Ave. 2:40pm, Vandalism, 2300 block California Ave. Thursday, November 218 7:15am, Kidnapping, 2300 block Walnut Ave. Friday, November 29 1:23pm, Trespassing (refuse to leave property at owner’s request), 700 block E. Spring St. (suspect arrested) 3:34pm, Burglary, 3300 block Cerritos Ave. 6:51pm, Grand theft, 1400 block E. 28th St. 8:06pm, Inflict corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant; violation of probation; violate domestic violence court order w/injury, 2200 block Rose Ave. (suspect arrested) Saturday, November 30 7:21am, Stolen vehicle – recovered, E. 21st St./Gundry Ave. 12:10pm, Burglary, 2500 block Cerritos Ave. Sunday, December 1 7:30pm, DUI, Cherry Ave./Crescent Heights (suspect arrested) 8:22pm, Auto burglary, 900 block E. 33rd St. 9:37pm, Burglary, 2100 block Gaviota Ave. 11:45pm, Auto burglary, 2500 block Orange Ave. Monday, December 2 3:47pm, Auto burglary, 3300 block E. Hill St. 4:12pm, Grand theft, 700 block E. Spring St. 4:33pm, Battery, 2500 block E. Willow St. Tuesday, December 3 12:49pm, Identity theft, 2900 block E. PCH 8:42pm, Battery, 700 block E. Spring St.

TST6128/Order No: 6437 Auto Lien Sale

TST6130/Order No: 6550 Auto Lien Sale

On 12/19/2019 at 6830 CRENSHAW BLVD LOS ANGELES,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2018 NISSAN VIN: 3N1CP5CUXJL522033 STATE: NV LIC: 631H21 at 10 AM

On 12/22/2019 at 12824 SIMMS AVE HAWTHORNE,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2017 HARLEY DAV VIN: 1HD1KED10HB614060 STATE: WA LIC: 614060X at 10 AM

TST6129/Order No: 6436 Auto Lien Sale

TST6131/Order No: 6548 Auto Lien Sale

On 12/22/2019 at 2215 W VERNON AVE LOS ANGELES,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2015 TOYOT VIN: 5YFBURHE6FP302943 STATE: CA LIC: 7LIZ251 at 10 AM

On 12/22/2019 at 12824 SIMMS AVE HAWTHORNE,CA a Lien Sale will be held on a 2018 HARLEY DAV VIN: 1HD1YAJ10JC073135 STATE: VA LIC: 073135X at 10 AM

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TST6121 / 2019 301677 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: NOSEY PEOPLE SOCIETY, 2215 Ohio Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

Registrant: BREANNE L. PATTERSON, 2215 Ohio Avenue, Signal Hill, CA 90755. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Breanne L. Patterson.

The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name. The registrant began using this fictitious business name in November, 2019. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on November 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: November 22, 29 & December 6, 13, 2019.

TST6122 / 2019 287827 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: HER BLINK BAR, 1021 E. San Antonio Drive, Apt. D, Long Beach, CA 90807 Registrant: MYEISHA N. KITCHEN, 2021 E. San Antonio Drive, Apt. D, Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Myeisha N. Kitchen. The registrant has not begun to use this fictitious business name. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on October 31, 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: November 22, 29 & December 6, 13, 2019.

TST6132 / Case No. 19CMCP00177 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, COMPTON COURT, 200 W. COMPTON BLVD., COMPTON, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Shaine Ross Arnold, Maqensie Raye Arnold, Destinee Faith Arnold by their mother Ronique L. Moore TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioners: SHAINE ROSS ARNOLD, MAQENSIE RAYE ARNOLD, DESTINEE FAITH ARNOLD by their mother Ronique L. Moore has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing their names as follows: Present Name: a. SHAINE ROSS ARNOLD to Proposed Name: SHAINE ROSS ARNOLD-MOORE. b. MAQENSIE RAYE ARNOLD to Proposed Name: MAQENSIE RAYE ARNOLD-MOORE. c. DESTINEE FAITH ARNOLD to Proposed Name: DESTINEE FAITH ARNOLD-MOORE. 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 9, 2020; 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 December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated October 25, 2019

TST6133 / Case No. 19CMCP00182 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, COMPTON SUPERIOR COURT, 200 WEST COMPTON BLVD., COMPTON, CA 90220 PETITION OF: Fernando Silvestre.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: January 9, 2020; Time: 8:30 a.m., Dept. A, Room 9th Floor. 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 December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019 ___//ss//___ Maurice A. Leiter, Judge of the Superior Court Dated November 6, 2019

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COMMENTARY

December 6, 2019

Bygone

Signal Tribune

17

continued from page 4

behind the Aero Club of America was imposing “impossible conditions� upon them, such as having only licensed pilots participate (a license could only be obtained by being a member of the Aero Club), offering no money, only prizes, to the pilots and not wanting to charge a fee for attendance. An exasperated Dick Ferris told how he had contacted Curtiss and other aviators asking if they would participate in the meet. They replied saying they needed guarantees ranging from $3,000 ($82,000) to $10,000 ($273,000) each. When they were told that the Aero Club of America only wanted to offer prizes and that the minimum would total $50,000 ($1.4 million today), their replies were, “Keep your prizes–– we cannot fly unless guaranteed real money.�

The article went on: The Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association of Los Angeles, under whose auspices the aviation meet in Jan. 10 to 20 is to be held, feels it has reached the limit of dictation by either the Aero Club of America or any other similar organization.

It has proceeded in good faith and repeatedly assured the Aero Club of America that the international meet to be held here was one of true sportsmanship and that the contests were for scientific achievements and not for profit in any way, manner, shape or form. It has duly received the sanction of the local club, which is affiliated with the Aero Club of America, and has proceeded in perfect harmony with the rules outlined by it.

The meet was on, regardless of not receiving support from the official body of the Aero Club of America.

Henry Huntington’s Pacific Electric (PE) rail line led through the airfield which adjoined Dominguez station, on the west of the main line of the Pacific Electric to Long Beach. The PE worked out plans for the installation of sidetracks, overhead switches and other facilities to handle the additional traffic. An important consideration was finding enough electricity, and it was determined there was an ample supply for any emer-

gency on the Long Beach line. It was estimated the PE could handle 200,000 people a day. It would run trains from Los Angeles every 2 minutes, hauling 700 to 800 passengers on each trip. Another way to get to the meet was by using the Southern Pacific railroad which had a rail line to the area.

People were planning to come from all over the United States. By Dec. 29, four trains from Chicago to Los Angeles had been sold out. In Southern California, special automobile/buggy roads were mapped out and as well as an “official� road which was to be kept in perfect condition during the meet. The “official� road started at 7th and Main in Los Angeles, ran west on 7th to Central, then south to Slauson and West to Compton.

It then followed the “regular� auto road south through Watts and Compton to Dominguez. At points where the road crossed the PE tracks a double force of flagmen were placed to avoid accidents on the road.

The price for a round trip ticket on the Pacific Electric was .30 cents ($8.20 today); for the Southern Pacific .35 cents ($9.50). General admission to the air meet was .50 cents ($13.60). If you wanted to sit in the grandstand that was another .50 cents. Parking for autos was $1.00 ($27.30), per passenger. However, if you purchased general admission and grandstand seats you would be allowed free parking. Some arrived by wagon or buggy. Many unharnessed their horses, tied them to wagon wheels, then proceeded to pull out chairs and lunches and settle in for the day in front of the autos, looking up to the sky whenever an aircraft came into view– all for free!

There was much to do besides just watching the air events. On the grounds of Aviation Camp were several amusement activities, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, trained animal acts–– including an educated horse–– a moving-picture tent and other show attractions many of which had appeared at the Seattle World’s Fair the past summer. All were chosen by a special committee appointed by the Mer-

Here are the answers to the Nov. 29 sukoku puzzle!

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On December 4, 1909, the first women’s aviation club in the nation was formed to raise money for an air show to be held on the mesa of Rancho Dominguez in Southern California.

chants and Manufacturers’ Association who promised “nothing but the very best would be permitted on the Midway.�

Crowds for Dominguez gathered early in the day, jamming the entrance to the Pacific Electric depot in Los Angeles. Once on the field, the crowd divided.

Most headed along the sawdust path, past the yelling “barkers� of the sideshows to the grandstand.

The others, not wanting to pay the grandstand admission price gathered below the grandstand and around the north corner of the field, bringing out their own seats– cracker boxes, fruit boxes and old boxes that could be sat on or stood on. Camp stools were also used. Those coming by auto had to park five or six cars deep in some places. Accidents were avoided only by the constant use of the horns, and if you left towards dusk the traffic leaving the field was so slow you could have walked faster.

Illegal liquor sales were rampant. Shortly before the end of the meet, the Los Angeles Herald published an article about the violation of the county’s liquor ordinance. There was only one licensed establishment that had paid for the privilege, but many illegal vendors had stepped in.

Over 20,000 people journeyed to Aviation Park on opening day, Jan. 10, 1910, to see these flying wonders. It was such a historic event, Long Beach school children were given a day off of school so they could attend. It was an event to set records. Louis Paulhan, who a year earlier made his living as a high-wire walker for $10 a week, set the world’s altitude record by rising to a height of 1,100 feet.

Because of the Women’s Aviation Club’s help in raising funds, the 9th day of the event, Tuesday, January 18th was designated “Ladies’ Day.� On that day Paulhan made a 45-mile nonstop loop between Dominguez and Arcadia.

Below him, his wife trailed in an automobile, as dozens of others on horseback, buggy and other modes of transportation followed.

Throughout the route, everyone stopped to look skyward to witness this historic event– the longest cross-country flight the world had ever known. Paulhan accomplished the 45-mile flight in one hour, two minutes 42 4/5th of a

second, winning $10,000.

Following this exciting display, members of the Women’s Aviation Club decided they had to meet Paulhan, and especially his wife. Though he was told of their desire to meet him he was not in the mood, but the club members rushed him before he reached the Pacific Electric station and his special car. Seeing himself surrounded by women, and deciding escape was impossible, Paulhan spent 15 minutes greeting each of the club members individually, then made a getaway for his special PE car.

In summing up the results of the eleven days it was reported that Paulhan led in prize money, having won the cross country prize of $10,000, the endurance prize of $3,000 and the three-lap race with passenger prize of $1,000. Glenn Curtiss won $6,000, Charles Hamilton $3,500 and Charles Willard $250. Paulhan was hailed throughout the world for his accomplishments and in France, he became a national hero.

The event signaled the birth of aviation in Southern California, and the spread of air meets across the country. Aviators went on to other events. Paulhan traveled to San Francisco, then continued to New Orleans, for Mardi Gras celebrations. Charles Hamilton went to San Diego where he flew from the Polo Field in Coronado. Glenn Curtiss returned to his business in New York, but later returned to California and established operations at North Island, San Diego.

Charles Willard went to Fresno, where he flew for Dr. Lee De Forest in his experiments on a radiotelephone system between an airLock inground. your price plane and the

Following the air meet, it seemed everyone had aviation fever, including the Women’s Aviation Club. They intended to “go into aeronautics socially, scientifically and practically.� To accomplish this, they planned to hire an instructor and learn how to fly, hold exhibitions of models of all sorts of airships “so that science may be developed by comparison.� The club also hoped to aid worthy inventors in securing financial aid so that their airships could be placed before the public. And while aviation fever was still rampant promoters decided to hold another air meet later that same year in Dominguez.

You can find more about this event and aviation history in my book Soaring Skyward: a History of Aviation in and Around Long Beach, California.

Juan

Ovalle for City Council

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18

Signal Tribune

COMMUNITY

December 6, 2019

Santa continued from page 1

In an undated photo, Thomas “Ski” Demski, dressed up as Santa Claus atop of his “sleigh” – a big red fire truck that would play music as he rode around Long Beach. For a generation of kids in Long Beach, he was widely known as the “real” Santa Claus.

Thomas “Ski” Demski and his good friend and business associate Jim Alexander at the Hoover Dam right before Superflag’s suspension. Demski left Alexander as his trustee after his death in 2002.

nia, Ski moved to Long Beach in 1958.

For years on Christmas, Ski, with his perfectly fitting snowwhite beard and big belly, would put on his red suit and give out candy canes and flags at local elementary schools, hospitals and his neighborhood church, St. Anthony’s, located at 540 Olive Ave. Ski would go as far as showing up in a sleigh perfectly fitting for his

what Ski was doing was absolutely wonderful; and so I support it,” she said.

The Alexander’s had known Ski since the 1980’s when Jim offered Ski his sidewalk cleaning services for the gatherings he would have by the giant 132-foot pole outside his house on Lime Avenue.

Alexander recalled, “He had this big podium that he would put out there, chairs–– the cops were very reasonable. They would block off the street in front of his house, so that all the neighbors and anybody else who wanted to come could come and sit down.”

This would be a constant affair throughout the year for days such as Flag Day and Veteran’s Day or whenever Ski simply wanted to.

He was particularly fond of World War I veteran Fred Hummer, who after his passing was buried at the pole in front of Ski’s house in 1997. Previously he had also buried his friend, veteran Colonel Clem Maloney during a public ceremony on St. Patrick’s Day in 1990 underneath where the pole stands today.

A fan of St. Patrick’s Day, another annual holiday ritual of Ski’s was commissioning 2,000 corned beef sandwiches from Joe Jost’s in Long Beach and handing them out to the homeless, complete with green Kool-Aid drinks.

Ski was keen on giving back to his community, making major donations to St. Anthony’s Church and the Long Beach Symphony, which he was even given the opportunity to conduct.

He also quietly helped a mother with financial struggles, pay for her son’s funeral after he was hit by a car.

Not everyone was fond of him however, his neighbor sued him

grand personality–– the sleigh being a big, red fire engine.

“He had music installed on it and he would drive it all around when he was being Santa Claus because that was his sleigh,” Patricia Hay-Alexander, current owner of Ski’s flag-manufacturing company, said.

Alexander took over the Superflag business after her husband Jim passed away in 2016. Jim

Alexander, a retired commander in the U.S. Coast Guard and Ski’s best friend and business associate, was appointed as the trustee for all of Ski’s belongings and businesses after he passed in 2002.

“They [Jim and Ski] both have a huge adoration for the American flag,” Alexander continued, “My husband was retired from the military, as far as he was concerned,

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over his flag being too “noisy”.

“It was the case of the flapping flag,” Alexander said.

Ski eventually had to resize the flag.

Although beloved by many in the city, Ski, a reformed alcoholic, was estranged from his family.

“The immediate family wanted nothing to do with him because apparently he was not a nice drunk,” Alexander said.

Ski also ran for Long Beach mayor multiple times. “[He ran] over and over and over again every year, every time that Ernie Kell was mayor [19841994],” Alexander recalled.

Apart from making flags, Ski also ran a bumper-sticker business, where he printed many patriotic and positive phrases since he himself was a reformed alcoholic at the time. Aside from his big red firetruck, Ski was also notable for his large van with every inch covered with the same bumper stickers that he made in his garage and sold.

Interestingly, two years prior to his death, Ski had held his own mock funeral in his garage. Laying shirtless in a plexiglass coffin, Ski was able to show off the array of American flags, eagles and Santa Claus themed tattoos he had all over his chest and back.

With the help of a hypnotist, he laid still as his friends came and ate corned beef sandwiches while watching over him.

“Hey, he was an old guy, and he was a real character,” said Alexander.

Ski was found dead on Jan. 19, 2002 at the age of 72.

He was laid to rest in an in-state manor at his own garage in the same plexiglass coffin from his see SANTA page 19

December 6, 2019

COMMUNITY

Signal Tribune

19

Santa continued from page 18

mock funeral, shirtless and all.

Over 2,000 people, including a cardinal priest from Los Angeles, came to his funeral and signed his book.

“He [the cardinal] had told Jim that Ski has done lots of things for the church, he was a good Catholic boy,” Alexander noted.

No one from his family attended.

“I called the number I had for the sister. It was a working number but nobody ever answered,” Alexander said. “I left a message and nobody ever called me back.”

The Los Angeles Times and The LB Report reported that the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office ruled his death as a suicide.

“Toxicological tests found a level of Tramadol [Ultran], a painkiller, in his system beyond therapeutic levels,” the LBReport article stated.

“Jim told me he was in an amount of pain, he was ill,” Alexander said. “I think he just didn’t want to carry on anymore, life was getting too hard.”

His ashes were interred in the metallic eagle that sits atop of the 132-foot pole, which is still in front of his former home at 402 Lime Ave. There is no flag flying on it anymore.

The Superflag business is still around. Many of the flags, including the Superflag, are currently in storage but continue to be rented out.

The bumper-sticker business was given to William “Wild Bill” Landham, a business associate and friend of Ski. “I thought they’d be interested in keeping that going but they just

let it go,” Alexander said.

Ski and Alexander had acquired the friendship of a much younger Landham who would travel around the country with them, helping to transport the flags.

Landham also continues to assist Alexander in transporting flags throughout the country.

“I don’t think I can do this without him,” Alexander noted.

Visitors today can also still see a statue of Ski with his beloved pet parrot, Peppy, in front of his former home next to the pole. On the other side of the house, is his original “The Pole” sign with a painting of a bald eagle with its wings spread, both reminders of Ski’s patriotism and love of Christmas.

“I’ll keep it going as long as I’m alive,” Alexander said regarding the legacy and business of Superflag. “I have it set up that if anything happens to me that Bill will take it, but now Bill is 60 years old, I mean, he may not make it, which is another reason why I would like to get maybe one of the Ski’s nephews involved.”

Alexander hopes that the City of Long Beach will preserve some of Ski’s memorabilia “for anybody who wants to find out about Ski,” she says. What’s not saved in the garage is currently put away in storage for the time being.

“He was Long Beach’s most unforgettable character,” Alexander said as she looked back at dozens of laid out photos of Ski. “Anyone who lived in Long Beach knew who Ski Demski was.”

SH Tree Lighting Ceremony celebrated at the Signal Hill Public Library Lissette Mendoza Online Editor

The City of Signal Hill celebrated their Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Signal Hill Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 5.

The evening began with a visit from Santa Claus followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony and ending with free hot chocolate being served. A choir sang christmas songs as children and parents were given the opportunity to play with arts and crafts.

Juan

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December 6, 2019

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