2016 02 10 theedge

february 10 - February 16, 2016 VOL. 1 – Issue No. 3

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Love Sucks + ( for the romantics and the non-romantics -

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| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

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Welcome to The Edge

W

FOUNDER/PRESIDENT Von Raees

Long Beach’s newest weekly for all your arts, dining, and entertainment needs

e promise to become an integral part of your community and value community input from businesses, government, and locals alike. We endeavor to become a conduit for community dialogue that goes above and beyond the rudimentary.

This weekly publication is dedicated to covering local community news with an emphasis on arts, dining, events, and entertainment that directly influence the City of Long Beach. Many larger publications do not necessarily cover local issues and events consistently; therefore, we make it our objective to connect local government, businesses, and other organizations within the community to foster collaboration and subsequent growth within the city. The Edge will feature an investigative cover story, local artists, play and movie reviews, varying Top 20 picks (the best brunch spots, vegan restaurants, happy hour...), and a calendar with Long Beach’s most interesting events.

In 1996, our founder started the Arcadia Weekly. Within these past 20 years, our family of newspapers (and companion websites) has extended to 22 newspapers in L.A., San Bernardino, and Orange County reaching an estimated readership of 250,000 and growing. The philosophy is one of a man of vision. One who steadfastly believes the power of the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. We are thrilled to add the City of Long Beach to our extended family of newspapers in Southern California and welcome your input.

Please let us know what you’d like to see in your new entertainment publication. Email Gary Metzker at editor@hlrmedia.com.

CEO Jesse Dillon EDITORIAL editor@hlrmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Gary Metzker PHOTOGRAPHER Julia Perez CONTRIBUTORS Jesus Ambrosio Madison D’Ornellas Kevin Flores Olivia Otsuki Blake Pinto Emily Rasmussen Shawnkira Sanchez GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Jorge Arroyo Allison Rojas

CONTENTS

WEBSITE Jorge Arroyo SALES Victor Zuleta Jeanetta Standefor Mike Suarez Candace Klewer

NEWS: 04

DISTRIBUTION SUPERVISOR Edward Davis

22

the breakwater in long beach

ACCOUNTING Vera Shamon

TOP 20:

PUBLISHER HLR Media

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valentine’s day venues

ADVERTISING advertising@hlrmedia.com

cover:

SUBMISSIONS: Please send all press releases to: editor@hlrmedia.com

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Love sucks

HLR Media, LLC .All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff at HLR Media, LLC 525 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (626) 386-3457 Fax: (626) 600-4452

FEATURE: 11 City heart

business: 12 honduras kitchen

ENTERTAINMENT: 1 3 long beach celebrates black history month mardi gras

AN AH EI M PRESS

Belmont Beacon

Jose Rodriquez (Rubel)

CALENDAR: 16 What’s Going on in and Around Long Beach

CLASSIFIEDS: 20 Pasadena Press San Bernardino Press

artist of the week:

22

ivana belakova

Hours Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 400:pm

Office: 562-989-7075 Cell: 562-673-4648 4116 Orange Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807

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news

It’s time to break it down

Removing the Long Beach breakwater a

"no brainer" Volunteers picking up trash from the shores of Long Beach on Dec. 19, 2015. Every third Saturday of each month, at 10 a.m. people gather at the end of Granada Avenue to clean the beach. Photos by emily rasmussen 4/

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

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aking a stroll along the Long Beach coast can be repeatedly disappointing, as locals know. On a hot, summer day, you hope that perhaps this time will different. Maybe trash won’t cover the sand, or the water will appear clearer than its usual ominous, murky green color.

Alas, it never does. Instead you probably drive north to Hermosa Beach, or south to Surf City USA, aka, Huntington Beach.

That used to be Long Beach, back in the 1930s. Its beaches used to be a hot spot for surfing competitions and recreational activities, says Bruce Perry, geology professor at California State University, Long Beach. In fact, Long Beach used to be known as the Waikiki of Southern California.

The reason that is no longer the case is the Long Beach breakwater, which finished construction in 1949, according to the Surfrider Foundation’s Long Beach chapter.

Breakwaters are designed to break the force of incoming waves, creating an artificial harbor.

“The design purpose of the breakwater was to support the Navy fleet,” Perry said.

by Emily Rasmussen

“But the Navy redirected their fleet to San Diego. So the Long Beach breakwater does not really serve the design purpose. In that sense, it is obsolete.”

The consequence of stopping the natural wave cycle is the trapping of pollution that comes from the Los Angeles River, Perry said. The breakwater stops the waves that would normally come in here, generate a longshore current, and then flush out that pollution, he said.

“All the trash that washes down the L.A. River on the west side of Long Beach, it washes up over here,” said Justin Rudd, founder and organizer of the monthly 30-minute Beach Clean-up in Long Beach.

Every third Saturday of the month, Rudd has between 100 to 200 volunteers come to help clean trash from the beach.

Rudd said he thinks that if the breakwater were not there, the local beaches would be cleaner. But then trash coming down the river would just go out further out into the ocean, he said.

“The breakwater should be dealt with, the sooner the better,” Perry said. “It would be better for Long Beach and its residents, our coastal ocean, and continued

NEWS

the wildlife out there. Everybody wins if we take it out. I see it as a no brainer.”

One of the arguments for keeping the breakwater is protecting large ships waiting to enter the port. However, the breakwater was not built for that purpose, Perry said.

Some Long Beach residents fear that removing the breakwater would cause more waves and erosion to the beaches.

However, Perry says according to science,

that is not the case.

Removing the breakwater would actually widen the peninsula beaches naturally with its cycle, he said. Instead of having to hire a contractor, scoop out sand and haul it down, nature would do the job for them, he said.

“If you’re going to be on the edge of the world, which we are, there is going to be some risk there,” Robert Palmer said. “The ocean is the ocean.”

Palmer is a former chairperson

and current member of the Surfrider Foundation’s Long Beach chapter. He said their goal is to remove the breakwater and get surfable waves back to Long Beach. Palmer has been with the Surfrider Foundation for about 20 years.

Although taking down the breakwater is costly, the nicer beaches would make Long Beach more of a destination, which would increase tourist dollars and increase property values, Perry said.

www.theedgelb.com

“The primary focus is cleaning this mess up,” Palmer said. “How we advocate doing it, is by reconfiguring the breakwater. If we had our way, we would take the whole breakwater down.”

ABOVE LEFT: Robert Palmer, a member of the Surfrider Foundation Long Beach Chapter, giving information about the breakwater to beach cleanup volunteers. ABOVE RIGHT: Beach clean-up volunteers gathering bags and gloves before searching for trash

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top 20

Valentine's Day Venues: 10 for the Romantics; 10 for the non-Romantics

by Paige Lapp

The Sky Room 40 S. Locust Ave., Long Beach

Rated one of the top 100 romantic dining venues in the US by members of OpenTable, The Sky Room is holding a special Valentine’s day dinner. It is located atop the historic Breakers Hotel, providing a panoramic view, live music, organic CalifornianFrench cuisine and craft beverages.

The Valentine’s Day dinner features a 3 course meal; Course I, Strawberry, Arugula and Parmesan salad. Course II, Wild Diver Scallops Scallops.

Course III, Filet Mignon and Chilean Sea Bass Duet Plate. Course IV, Petit Fours (Fresh Berry Napoleon, Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Almond Mousse, Lemon Meringue). For tickets, prices and more information visit theskyroom. com or call (562) 983-2703.

BO-beau Kitchen + Roof Tap 114 Pine Ave., Long Beach

This venue offers an urban-style rooftop beer garden and CaliforniaFrench Comfort food. The rooftop garden has a panoramic and sky view perfect for a romantic night of stargazing. Cocktails and appetizers are served from 4:30pmmidnight. The main dining room serves a unique California-French comfort-style cuisine from 5:00pmmidnight. Thier most famous dish is the BO Beau’s Brussel Sprouts, with house-cured pancetta, parmesan, and a balsamic port glaze. Other popular dishes include the Steak Frites and the Burger Royale. For more information visit www.cohnrestaurants.com/ bobeaukitchenrooftap.

the sky room courtesy photo

Parker's Lighthouse & Queensview Steakhouse 435 Shoreline Village Dr. Long Beach

An ocean view and ocean food.

This Southern California seafood restaurant is located on the shore of the Long Beach harbor and offers a menu of “mesquite fresh seafood” as well sushi, sashimi and an extensive wine list. Parker’s Lighthouse rises up three stories and guarantees a spectacular ocean view from any seat.

On the third floor lies the Queensview Steakhouse, an upscale supper club featuring live music, a full menu, bar & lounge. For more information visit parkerslighthouse.com or call (562) 432-6500.

Utopia Good Food and Fine Art 445 E. 1st St., Long Beach

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Utopia withstands the boldness of its name by offering a romantic, comfortable ambiance, perfect for a night out with that special someone.

Guests at Utopia can enjoy a rotating art gallery, live piano, wine lounge, beautiful patio seating, tapas/small plates, and mediterranean-american

cuisine. One of their signature appetizers is the Brochette with Organic Tomato. The Valentine’s Day special dessert is a white or dark chocolate Gelato Amor. For reservations and more information visit www.utopiarestaurant.net.

The Wine Bar 250 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

Perfect for the wine or beer lover, The Wine bar is owned by two young men committed to providing a casual “unpretentious” atmosphere and affordable prices.

Thier motto, “Blowing minds with Beers and Wines”. The Wine Bar features local artist, modern music, and dim lighting to achieve a classy, comfortable setting. The menu includes an extensive list of thoughtfully selected wines and beers imported from around the world, and a menu of dishes uniquely selected to pair with each beverage. Visit www. lbwinebar.com or call (562) 590-5300 for more information.

TOP 20 The Queen Mary 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach Known for its elegant charm, the Queen Mary has long been one of the most romantic venues in Long Beach.

This venue provides stunning skyline views, and gourmet cuisine. For this special holiday the Queen Mary hotel is offering a Romance Package, where guests can indulge in champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries brought to their hotel room, and enjoy breakfast at the Promenade Cafe.

Another special event to be hosted is the Vintage Valentine Supper Club where you can “Toast and tease” with that special someone in the Grand and Windsor Salon. Visit www.queenmary. com/events/valentines-day/ for more information and reservation.

Aquarium of the Pacific Late Night & Dinner 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach

Enjoy a fun, romantic evening surrounded by marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s special Valentine’s Day event. The aquarium’s normal hours run 9am-6pm, but will be open until 10pm this Valentine’s day. The evening offers a cash bar with beverages and a harbor view at the rooftop Veranda. Mingling on the Veranda begins at 6:30pm then is followed by a specially selected three course dinner in the Great Hall at 7:30pm. Visit www.aquariumofpacific. org/events/info/valentines_day/ or call (562) 590-3100 for more information.

Cafe Piccolo 3222 E. Broadway, Long Beach

Cafe Piccolo boasts romance as its signature dish. This charming venue is perfect for intimacy and indulgence.

Cafe Piccolo’s also offers an outdoor garden which has hosted many intimate weddings, and is popular for all special events. The menu features an eclectic selection of signature italian dishes and fine wines. The featured Valentine’s Dinner Dessert is a White or Dark Chocolate Amor Truffle, which includes white or dark chocolate gelato, wrapped around strawberry sorbet and served over raspberry sauce. For more information about the special Valentine’s day menu visit cafepiccolo.com or call 562-438-1316 for reservations.

Tantalum Restaurant 6272 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach

Looking for an escape to paradise?

Take a trip to Tantalum, an exotic New California Cuisine with an Asian soul. Tantalum restaurant has a chic, Indonesian Island inspired interior, with dark sandalwood and lush foliage creating a sexy, exotic ambiance.

Located in the Marina Pacifica, this venue features a gorgeous panoramic view of the Alamitos bay. one of the signature dishes is the Miso Glazed Halibut, served with mashed potatoes and string beans. Tantalum also features a lounge welcome for the enjoyment of wine, cocktails, and live music 6 days of the week. Visit www. tantalumrestaurant.com/ or call 562431-1414 for more information and reservation.

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Gondola Getaway 5437 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

The gondola getaway company is based on the founder’s experience in Italy. He was inspired by the local Gondola services where cheese, salami, and bread was served onboard a one-hour cruise through the canals of Naples.. Upon request, the Gondola Getaway of Long Beach offers a “message in a bottle” service, which includes a customized

message, and can be placed anywhere along the way during your trip for “discovery”. This venue is the perfect place for an unforgettable night of romance. Book your getaway online at www.gondolagetawayinc. com or by phone at 562-433-9595.

Singles this way

--->

An authentic Italian restaurant with an authentic Italian charm,

tantalum courtesy photo

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top 20 cont

Sgt Dueling Pianos 91 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach

This laid back venue is 21 and over, and known for its adult humour and classic rock anthem music. The venue provides an indoor and outdoor bar, lounge, and features two piano players to lead you in a sing along, laugh along, drink along good time. You can even have your friend brought up on stage for a little roast… this place is perfect for singles to go out and have a great time with friends this Valentine’s Day Weekend. Doors open at 6pm Friday’s and Saturday’s. (Closed Sunday).

Visit www.pepperspianos.com or call (562) 499-4600 for more infromation.

Laugh Factory 151 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach

Home of Long Beach’s funniest, a trip to this comedy club provided food, drink, and entertainment. This Valentine’s day the Laugh factory will be featuring a special event, “My Funny Valentine”. Shows begin at 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm. Each show is a new unique experience featuring several of the top comedians in Long Beach. The venue provides comfortable concert seating and dim lighting to create a laid back, re-

laxed, fun-loving atmosphere. Call (562) 495-2844 or visit www.llaughfactory.com

Alex's Bar 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

This Karaoke Dive bar is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day party this Sunday. The party starts at 8pm. Dress is casual. No tickets needed. This event is open to anyone 21 and up.

Live music will be provided by Timon Marmex, a modern Indie Rock band from Columbia, Maryland. Here you can have a few drinks, karaoke, enjoy free entertainment, and document memories of the evening in Alex’s photo booth. For more information visit www.alexsbar.com or call (562) 434-8292.

Beachwood Brewing & BBQ Need a beer? Grab your friends and head to Beachwood BBQ for their Special Valentines Dinner. This event is first come first serve, and offers a 4 course, beer-paired special menu. A few of their popular menu items are the Brisket, Pulled Pork sandwich, and the Buffalo Sloppy Joe. Beachwood BBQ also offer a special “Late Night” menu Friday’s and Saturday’s from 10-Midnight. The menu features Leana’s Famous Pickled Fries, Smothered Steak Fries, BBQ Chicken Nachos, and more. Visit beachwoodbbq.com or call (562) 436-4020 for more information.

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Speed Dating at Lucky Strike 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

Lucky Strike is hosting a unique, new-age speed dating event this Valentine’s day. Tickets are $47.41 a pop, and is for ages 24-39. These matchmakers host no ordinary speed dating event with name tags and whistles. They emphasis on creating a casual, comfortable, “cheeky-chic” atmosphere where singles can mingle freely. They claim, with their fresh, innovative approach, to have attracted more and more sophisticated people of LA to join the speed dating scene.

There will be English hosts, complimentary gourmet appetizers, complimentary makeovers for the ladies, and the event will be featured on over 20 different major television networks.

Visit www.speedladating.com for more info.

Congregation Ale House 201 E Broadway Ave., Long Beach

A rustic gastropub serving a wide selection of craft beers and American eats. This restaurant boasts the masculinity of an authentic Irish pub. The Congregation Ale House features waitresses dressed in schoolgirl uniforms serving beers, ribeye burgers, pizza, sweet potato fries, tater tots, hot dogs, and other small bites. Visit http://congregationalehouse.com or call (562) 432-2337 for more information.

Recreational Coffee 237 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach

Serving coffee, tea, and edibles, this hidden gem is located in downtown Long Beach. the venue features a modern, sleek atmosphere, perfect for a quiet afternoon of reading or catching up with a friend. Sip on carefully brewed coffee, tea, or try one of the sweet menu items: a Sea Salt Affogato or an Espresso shake. Visit www. recreationalcoffee.com or call (562) 436-4954 for more information.

Pike Restaurant & Bar 1836 E. 4th St., Long Beach

Located on 4th St., the “Retro Row” of Long Beach, this hip venue serves a full menu of American and Seafood cuisine until midnight every day of the week.

They also have nightly entertainment, whether it is a live musician, “Ipod Sunday” or music from the Jukebox, this venue is great for a night of dancing.

Some of their most popular menu items include the fish and chips, lobster tacos, or their grilled mahi-mahi sandwich. Visit pikelongbeach.com or call (562) 437-4453 for more information.

Movie "How To Be Single" 1545 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim

Have a girls night out and take a trip to Downtown Disney and experience the comedy of today’s most beloved actresses in the movie “How to be Single”.

Downtown Disney land has a variety of dining venues, entertainment, and shopping. The movie will be playing at 1:45 pm and 7:30 pm inside the AMC Downtown Disney 12 theatre. show up early and grab a bite to eat at the House of Blues, or indulge in a sweet treat at the Ghirardelli Chocolate store.

Visit disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/downtown-disney-district/ amc-theatres// for more information or visit http://www.fandango.com/amcdowntowndiisneyland12 to buy tickets.

District Wine 144 Linden Ave., Long Beach

Wine bar, lounge, and restaurant, this venue is offering a special Wine & Cake Pop Tasting event this Valentine’s Day Weekend. as well as a live jazz saxophone musician to host this Saturday Evening. The menu is an array of small bites, flatbreads, and desserts chosen to compliment the select wines.

Call 562-612-0411 or visit districtwine. com for more information.

cover

It makes us sad. It brings us joy. It keeps us up at night and forces us to do stupid, stupid things. Folks, lend me your eyes as I try my best to offer my insight into why Valentine's Day, and love, makes us crazy. photos by Karen sawyer

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s I lie on the couch covered in every blanket I own, with the cat curled in a tight ball against my back and the light from my laptop illuminating the room, I watch, teary-eyed, “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” for the umpteenth time.

I curse myself while I begin to cry, a half-eaten pint of cookie dough ice cream between my hands.

“Really?” I think. “ Again?”

I know how this movie ends. I know how it makes me feel. The guy gets the girl then he loses the girl then she tries to kill herself then she leaves then they meet again. The film is a never-ending love story, able to go through all of the motions of both short and long relationships.

So why do I keep going back?

My need for cry-inducing moviewatching bubbles up in my brain when I remember, again, that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. The lonely bug bites again.

Love is a tough emotion, maybe the toughest one there is, but V-Day really gets you. The city drapes itself in flowers, chocolates, pink and red, and whether you’re confidently single, dating around or in a solo funk, February 14th is a day of mourning the missed possibilities of spending the day with a mate.

“Valentine’s Day expectations of not just a ‘perfect’ night, but also a ‘perfect’ relationship may make any problems

by Madison D’Ornellas

seem worse than they are, causing increased dissatisfaction.

Or, the pressure may just intensify negative feelings in an already dysfunctional relationship,” according to Dr. Jonathan Fader.

So if it’s bad, Valentine’s Day can make it worse.Trying too hard could lead to

failure. Something that seems ‘perfect’ could just be a ‘perfect’ lie.

Dr. Fader, we know. Yet we still feed the fire (of love?).

More than half of American ages 18 and older celebrated Valentine’s Day last year, according to a study by the National Retail Federation. And of those Americans, an average of $142. 31 was www.theedgelb.com

spent that day, $96.63 going toward a significant other.

Valentine’s Day has become an excuse for consumerist citizens to shower their person with gifts. But why just today?

Spread out the gift-giving throughout the year. Surprise her with flowers. Surprise him with concert tickets. Make them a nice breakfast, for goodness sakes.

Yes, I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day can be cute. Yet, it has become another hashtag on our public life-streams; the most significant excuse to do “something special” for him or her.

Folks, stop waiting until the 14th of February. Forget it. It is a blurb of the year. It will end.

So what, you ask, are the things to do to avoid this wretched 24-hour-filled lovefest of expectations?

Do the thing you’d never think of doing: embrace it. Buy yourself flowers.

Call you grandmother. Visit you dead grandmother’s grave. See a movie by yourself. If you’re single, and haven’t already this year, date yourself on the 14th. See an old friend, have dinner with your family and clean the cat’s litter box.

Remind yourself that being lonely is a choice, and being alone could be the best thing to give yourself this Valentine’s Day. We get chocolates, but we don’t like nuts. We get flowers, but we know that they will eventually die and we will forget to hang them to dry. We get mixtapes, but we forget to play them.

See? Even when it’s good, love sucks.

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entertainment

Innovation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow aside for schools or students to participate in private tours of the exhibitions. Duncan says, “I want the kids to feel free to ask questions uninterrupted.”

She calls the third day of the event, “Youth Saturday.” Several Long Beach schools performed - choirs, dance groups, playlets, and slam poets. She says it demonstrates, “what it means to be African American, and all the ways they contribute to the future.”

Other musical performances celebrated the history of Black music including Motown with Charlies Julian & The Chazee Music Experience, soul and R&B with The Emotions concert, and Jazz History with Alvin Hayes Jr. While Duncan gratefully acknowledges wellknown figures, such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, she wants to spotlight locals. She says, “We’ve got those people right here - right

here in our city!” For this year’s theme, “Innovation,” she featured Doctor Walter Larkins, Long Beach medical doctor who invented a device that allows surgeons to minimize the invasiveness of heart surgery.

Breaking Through Lighting the Way, a Long Beach traveling exhibition run by Sunny Nash and Carolyn Smith Watts, hosted a tributary wall “Long Beach Legends.” Twelve empowering women, the “Pioneering Twelve,” are featured, from Civil Rights activists and marchers, school principals, Vice Mayors, recipients of Congressional Gold Medals, and Historians for the Tuskegee Airmen Archive.

Overall, “Innovation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” provided an emotional experience, while celebrating African American culture with music, art, and pride for the city and its powerful people.

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spent the past 24 years collecting “lost and o kick off Black History Month, nonprofit forgotten” items, and David McLucas says, “We have items from the time Africans came from Andy Street ComAfrica to Obama becoming president.” munity Association (ASCA) hosted the third Annual The exhibit allows the viewer to get up “Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow” at the Bixby close and personal. They display items such as Knoll’s Al Austin Expo Arts Center this past slave-auction collars, branding irons, North Star weekend. Guests were greeted by clavinet riffs patches and quilts used for communication on and trumpets booming a live rendition of Stevie plantations, Gold Dust advertisements, newsWonder’s “Superstition,” by Charles Julian Fear- paper clippings, cotton-gin created mattresses, ing & The Chazee Music Experience.

“Colored” signs. More modern exhibits feature vintage magazines of Sports Illustrated and Life Since 2013, LaVerne Duncan, Executive Director of ASCA, has organized a free four-day issues of Muhammad Ali, and tributes to Barack and Michelle Obama - just to name a few. event that features Long Beach artists, public figures, educators, musicians, and all people Sharon McLucas says, “Young people forget and organizations that celebrate what it means the past - the trials and tribulations. I want them to be African American. Duncan says, “Every to know they can be successful at anything they year people from all parts of the city and from want to be... Be inspired, not ashamed.” David every racial background come to this event.

McLucas says, “It’s 2016 and you still hear, ‘It’s They are interested to learn more about the the first time a black person has done this, it’s history of African Americans in the United the first time a black person has done that.’ ... It States, and the impact they have on the local and means a lot to me. The details that went on in broader society.”

American culture, under the radar for 400 years.

I have only picked up a glimpse of items or That is where the theme, “Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow” comes from. Marcus Tyson, Board policies of the past, the language used.”

Chairman of Andy Street, says, “[Black history] While the night is about reflecting on cenhelps us understand the past and focus on what turies of past struggles, it is also about celewe can do as a community to build a better brating all the historical gains. Over the four future for our families.” Mayor Robert Garcia days, contributing African Americans of Long agrees, “Andy Street is an amazing program Beach were celebrated and awarded - from city that is building a community where youth have council members, as well as beloved pioneers options. It’s always great celebrating local and in fields of education, science, technology, as national black leaders, history, and innovators.” well as the arts.

One of the exhibits “The Forgotten Images One of the many ways that Andy Street Collection,” by David and Sharon McLucas, celebrates the present is by spotlighting the displays artifacts that represent the African youth and passing on the knowledge of the past.

American experience in America. They have Before the main events, there are time slots set | FEBRuary 10 February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com 10 /

by Olivia Otsuki

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1) “Forgotten Images Exhibit” display of the Gold Dust, which has clothing and an ironing board from that time, as well as soap ads and figurines. 2) Sharon and David McLucas, posing in front of the “Did You Know” wall that provides interesting facts about local heroes and legends. 3) Wall featuring Long Beach photographer Duke Givens’ photographs of Snoop Dog. 4) Sharon and David McLucas, historical artifact collectors, featuring books, magazines, and art of Michelle and Barack Obama.

Photos by Olivia Otsuki

entertainment

Mardi Gras

2016

in LongBeach

Photos by Karen Sawyer

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1 ) Self-proclaimed pirate Morgan Griffin was one of the attractions of the Mardi Gras Parade at Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016. “Captain” Morgan said he lives on a pirate ship and has an all-female crew called Outlaw Pirates with over one hundred members. 2 ) A masked person dances shirtless in the middle of the Mardi Gras Parade in Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016. This was the seventh annual parade. The organizers of the parade said that this is a family-friendly version of the real version that takes place in New Orleans. 3 ) Bill Doucette dances at the Mardi Gras Parade on the Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016. Doucette is part of the Orleans 2nd Line Club, a group of traditional New Orleans-style performers. 4 ) Ronald McDonald and Cheri Bazely, Long Beach Ronald McDonald’s House executive director are crowned king and queen of the seventh Mardi Gras Parade in Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016. Each year a new king and queen are crowned. 5 ) People watch and dance at the Mardi Gras Parade on the Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016. The parade started at 3 pm in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific and had attractions like musicians, dancers and pirates. 6 ) Saxophone player Alexander performs with The Jazz Angels during the Mardi Gras Parade at Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016. The Jazz Angels is an organization that provides Jazz classes to children. 7 ) A crowd of people tries to catch beads thrown to them by the Mistress of Ceremonies Jewels, who announces the Parade participants as they walk and dance by at the Mardi Gras Parade in Shoreline Village Feb. 6, 2016.

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business

Easy to miss but hard to forget Honduras Kitchen, a family-owned business embodies the diversity of Long Beach

H

onduras is closer than you thought.

Nestled between Cherry Avenue and Rose Avenue on East Fourth Street, sitting below apartments and defining the term hole-in-thewall is Honduras Kitchen.

Run by former Marine Rafael Antonio Larios III – better just call him “Tony” – and his wife Maritza, this easy-to-miss, but hard-to-forget restaurant is a budding representation of the diversity in Long Beach.

The son of two immigrants from El Salvador and Honduras, Tony has been running the place since he was honorably discharged from the Corps and his father handed him the keys four years ago, with the restaurant on the brink of failure. A task made exceptionally more challenging because his father was and continues to run the original, and rather successful, Honduras Kitchen in Huntington Park.

“The other restaurant was supporting this one more than anything,” Tony admits.

The family decided to open the restaurant after hosting a series of pop-up locations for the Honduran community to watch the Honduran national soccer team. They quickly realized there was a serious Honduran market in the Long Beach community and soon opened their second restaurant on East Fourth Street. But the location might be their biggest problem.

“Nobody knew we were here,” Tony remembers. “I know we still have that problem but I’m working on it . . . I have sufficient ideas, but not the pocket for it.”

Although there is still much to do, Tony has already begun steering this small treasure in the right direction, and it all starts with what any restaurant should be most focused on: the food.

“I feel like the product has never been the problem, it’s just been the appearance,” Tony explains.

Though the appearance could definitely use a touchup, it also adds to the experience, and almost makes it feel like more of a hidden

By Blake Pinto

12 /

gem. What may be bad for overall foot traffic actually becomes a rewarding experience for discovering the unique restaurant.

And the food, like Tony says, is definitely not a problem.

Pollo Mesapa, Pastelitos and, of course, Baleadas – the staple Honduran street food are just a few of the offerings, and for the price you’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal matching quantity with quality.

“We try to focus on being strictly Honduran . . . We don’t want people wondering if this is Mexican or Salvadorian,” Tony explains.

“We don’t try to mix with any other themes to try to stay afloat, we want to sell a Honduran product.”

Well, it doesn’t get more Honduran than Sopa de Caracol. It is the most exotic dish they offer and the house specialty. In simple and mundane English it translates to Conch Soup.

If you have never seen a conch, look it up right now. Seriously, you need to see one of these.

“What makes our soup really good is conch itself is really hard to find,” Tony says. “It’s one of those things where we have to get it from the same guy we always have. We’ve been looking for different providers for a long time but it’s hard.”

The flavor itself could use a bit of a kick, but if you’re into exotic meats it is an absolute must try. The soup is made by tenderizing the conch and then cooking it in a coconut broth with carrots, cassava and, of course, green banana and ripe plantain. Most dishes in the restaurant come with some variety of bananas.

“In Honduras their main export is bananas, so a lot of times when you get a dish, even a soup or something, you’re going to get a banana,” he says as his wife brings out a green banana, plantain and a maduro – teaching me more about bananas in seconds then I’d learned in a lifetime.

Thirsty? There’s a Honduran fix for that as well. The restaurant imports three Honduran beers – Barena, Port Royal and Salva Vida – Honduran coffee and banana soda as well.

“My goal in this business is to provide a Honduran atmosphere,” Tony explains. “We want to be that place where you come and feel

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

The restaurant sits on E. 4th St. tucked below apartments

like you got a feel for what Honduras is.”

One of their most popular items isn’t even on the menu, because it’s complimentary.

Drizzled with house made Honduran salsa, cojita cheese and a pinch of salt, the tortilla chips are dangerous.

“I tell people they’ve got to be careful,” Tony jokes. “They’re addicting.”

As I sat with Tony, I realized how much Honduras Kitchen epitomized a family-run

business. When you walk in the door, many times either Maritza or Tony is your host, server and bartender. Was there a problem with anything? Well, then the same people put on the manager’s hat. But, to them it’s worth it to provide a taste of home to the Honduran community of Long Beach and anyone else willing to take their taste buds on a short, exotic and delicious trip.

business

Owner Rafael “Tony�

Larios III and his Wife Maritza Larios pride themselves in providing a Honduran atmosphere and import many of their products.

Photos by Blake pinto

www.theedgelb.com

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 |

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calendar

// FEBRUARY 10 - FEBRUARY 16, 2016 // Thursday, Feb. 11

FEB / THU / 11

/ WED / 10

FEB Feb. 10 Wednesday,

David Bowie Tribute Night

James Supercave 7 p.m. | FREE Amoeba Music Hollywood 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

For more info. visit www.amoeba.com.

9 p.m. | $5 The Smell 247 S. Main St., Los Angeles Tickets: www.thesmell.org

James Supercave’s debut album, “Better Strange” will be celebrated with a white vinyl indie-exclusive release with a live set and signing at Amoeba Music Hollywood. “Better Strange” exploits the edge of psych-rock with a hint of thick pop sounds, and low end grooves normally reserved for funk and soul.

James Supercave proves, things are so much better strange. James Supercave’s “Better Strange” cd and regular LP versions are out February 12th.

Join the Current Joys, members of Casinos & Slow Hollows, Arjuna Genome, DJ Audrey Wollen and DJ Jim Smith for a night of musical homage to the late David Bowie. All proceeds will go toward cancer research.

Super Furry Animals

the growlers

Mele Mei

Photo by zack gingg

8 p.m. | $35 The Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com.

The Grammy Museum will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiian music and kick off Hawaii’s Mele Mei annual tradition with Mele Mei In L.A.: Honoring The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Tradition. Join The Grammy Museum for an intimate concert in the Clive Davis Theater featuring performances by Hawaiian artists including GRAMMY winner Charles Brotman, GRAMMY nominees Amy Hanaiali’i, Raiatea Helm and Jeff Peterson, and Pali, Kawika Kahiapo, Bobby Moderow Jr. of Maunalua, and Makana. This event is taking place the week prior to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards, the special event will be held in conjunction with the opening of the Museum’s latest exhibit, Kī Hōʻalu: Honoring the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Tradition.

Guster 7:30 p.m. | $30 | The Telegram Ballroom, 1234 W. 7th St., Los Angeles | Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

8 p.m. | $15-$18 | Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles | Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

Scarlett & The Fever

Built To Spill

8 p.m. | $102.50 Fonda Theatre 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com.

8 p.m. | Free The Redwood Bar & Grill 316 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles.

$25-$30 The Echo 1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

Best Fest is celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac. Best Fest puts together festivals with many different artists to honor musicians like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, the Rolling Stones, and others. Hosted by The Cabin Down Below Band, the festivals each give to a charity. The Fleetwood Mac Fest will be benefiting the Sweet Relief & Sweet Stuff Foundation. Artists: Mark Ronson, Alison Mosshart, Perry & Etty Farrell, Joanna Newsom, Cold War Kids, KT Tunstall, Dhani Harrison, PHASES, and more.

STRFKR

Salt Petal

8 p.m. | $20 The Glass House 200 W. 2nd Street., Pomona Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

9 p.m | $10 La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

G-Eazy w/ A$AP Ferg, Marc E Bassy, Nef the Pharaoh & Marty 8 p.m. | $25-$38.50 Shrine Expo Hall 665 W Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com.

Albert Hammond Jr.

Emily King

14 /

Fleetwood Mac Fest

8 p.m. | $20 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

8:30 p.m. | $21 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

Hoodie Allen

Ja Rule & Ashanti

8 p.m. | $20 The Observatory 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana Tickets: www.ticketweb.com

8 p.m. | $30-$40 Fox Theater Pomona 301 S. Garey Ave., Pomona Tickets: www.axs.com.

San Valentino’s Psychedelicioso Danze Party

Grammy in the Schools Live w/ Sam Hunt

9 p.m | $5 La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

Club Lucky 9 p.m. | $12 House of Blues Anaheim 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim Tickets: concerts.livenation.com.

7:30 p.m. | $29.50 – $44.50 Club NokiA 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com.

Grammy in the Schools Live has been around for 6 years. The event is meant to raise money as well as awareness for the Grammy Foundations’ Education Programs. The night will include special performances from the

calendar Power 106’s Crush Concert

Lamb of God

7:30 p.m. | $50-$130 The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

6:30 p.m.| $35 The Hollywood Palladium 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles concerts.livenation.com.

The Weeknd , Miguel, Kid Ink , Tory Lanez and Kehlani come together to perform at The Forum in Inglewood for this year’s annual Crush Concert presented by Power 106. This is the perfect concert to pregame for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

Beats Antique 8 p.m. | $25-$45 Club Nokia 800 W. Plympic Blvd., Los Angeles www.axs.com.

antiquebeats Photo by Chris goldberg

Grammy’s Education Program Participants.

This year’s event will also feature a live musical performance by Sam Hunt.

Black Sabbath 7:30 p.m. | $35-$165 The Forum 900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

Members of Russian feminist punk protest group Pussy Riot have risen to global visibility over the last several years. Their provocative guerilla performances in unusual public locations center around themes of feminism and LGBT rights, primarily in opposition to the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom they regard as a dictator. Maria Alyokhina shares their story through a conversation with KCRW’s Edward Goldman.

Jess Glynne

Waters

9 p.m. | $25 Fonda Theatre 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com.

8 p.m. | $10 The Constellation Room 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana Tickets: www.observatoryoc.com.

Hiatus Kaiyote

P.O.D.

8 p.m. | $30 El Rey Theatre 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com

Naughty By Nature 8:30 p.m. | $20-$55 The Regent Theater 448 S. Main St., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketfly.com

The Roaring 420’s 9 p.m. | $5 Alex’s Bar 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach Tickets: www.ticketfly.com

Maria Alyokhina of Pussy Riot In Conversation with Edward Goldman 8 p.m. | $19-$39 Royce Hall 340 Royce Hall Dr. Los Angeles Tickets: http://cap.ucla.edu

7 p.m. | $20-$40 House of Blues Anaheim 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim Tickets: concerts.livenation.com.

The Rayford Bros 8 p.m. | $10 | Harvelle’s , 201 E. Broadway, Long Beach | Tickets: longbeach.harvelles.com.

Electronic and World fusion dance trio Beats Antique brings their new album and multi-media touring show A Thousand Faces, a journey beyond the sonic realm that’s part odyssey, part genre-warping rock opera.

Their new album is an epic two-volume adventure that follows every stage of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey with sweeping and lushly textured new compositions.

Charlie Wilson 7 p.m. | $55-$115 Shrine Auditorium 665 W Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles www.axs.com.

Jah Faith & The Royal Lineage 9 p.m. | $8 La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

ALO 8 p.m. | $20 The Telegram Ballroom 1234 W. 7th St., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

Blue Whale Fundraiser

Paul Van Dyk 10 p.m. |$20-$90 Exchange L.A. 618 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles www.exchangela.com.

Quality music is born from the soul but gifted life through the gathering of like-minded people on the dance floor, giving wings to friendship and feelings to thought. At Exchange LA good music and good memories bloom, this week Paul Van Dyk takes the stage.

The Brvtalist 8 p.m. | FREE Amoeba Music Hollywood, 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

For more info. visit www.amoeba.com.

The Brvtalist is a curator, promoter and DJ with a focus on mutated metropolitan culture.

Through the website of the same name, The Brvtalist aims to expose music, fashion, art and more that all share the same dark, romantic allure.

9 p.m. | $15 Blue Whale 123 Astronaut S. Onizuka St , Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

Le Youth 9:30 p.m. | $20 1735 Vine St., Los Angeles Tickets: wl.flavorus.com

Idiot Glee 8 p.m. | $5 The Smell 247 S. Main St., Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

Supersuckers 9 p.m. | $13-15 Alex’s Bar 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach Tickets: www.ticketfly.com

FEB / FRI / 12

Friday, Feb. 12

Alessia Cara 9 p.m. | $20 El Rey Theatre 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles www.axs.com.

The Delfonics 7:30 p.m. | $32-$77 The Honda Center 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

pussyriot Photo by steve rhodes

www.theedgelb.com

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 |

/15

calendar FEB / SAT / 13

Saturday, Feb. 13

One Love Cali Reggae Fest 12 p.m. | $75 The Observatory 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana Tickets: www.observatoryoc.com.

Over 30 bands will celebrate the feel good grooves of jammin’ reggae music on Saturday at The Observatory. Headliners for the first Cali Reggae Fest include Rebelution, Iration, Tribal Seeds and Pepper. Reggae legends Barrington Levy and Yellowman will be special guests at the after party once the show is over.

Moonlight Trio 6 p.m. | FREE La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles.

La Cita presents live cumbiabilly band Moonlight Trio plus special guests The Rocketz.

Together both bands will take the stage and join forces to perform together as Moonlight Rocketz in this special matinee show in on of Los Angeles most punky dive bars.

strfkr

Logic 8 p.m.| $25 The Hollywood Palladium 6215 Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles concerts.livenation.com.

His sophomore album has made him stand out as one of hip hops acts to watch. It’s only been a few months since the release of sci-fi epic odyssey “The Incredible True Story,” and now Logic is dropping knowledge as he swings

by Los Angeles for a stop on “The Incredible World Tour.”

The Knocks

Photo by peter hogan

Tycho (DJ SET) 10 p.m. |$30 Exchange L.A. 618 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles www.exchangela.com.

The Low Down Hip Hop DJ Night | 9 p.m. | FREE Alex’s Bar 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach.

7:30 p.m. | $18.50-$20 El Rey Theatre 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles www.axs.com.

Sunday, Feb. 14

Young Galaxy

Valentine’s Day Rumble

6 p.m. | $15 The Echoplex 1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

Mickey Avalon & Dirt Nasty 9 p.m. | $25-$75 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

El Twanguero 9 p.m. | $10 El Cid 4212 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

16 /

FEB / SUN / 14

9 p.m. | $15 The Echoplex 1822 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles www.ticketfly.com.

popular as ever. What better way to celebrate that you are single on this special day then hearing depressing songs like “Ohio is for Lovers.” Mest and The Ataris will also take the stage and make audience remember of a time when middle school crushes were their biggest worries.

Ghostbusters Valentine’s Day Bummer 9 p.m. | $8 Complex LA 806 E. Colorado St., Glendale Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

According to Ghostbusters II the world is ending on Valentine’s Day 2016. Celebrate this occasion with an end of the world party at The Complex in Glendale. The event will feature live entertainment, DJ Bractune, photo booth, theme drinks and of course no end of the world Valentine’s Day party is complete without a costume contest.

Get ready to start some raucous in the pit this Valentine’s Day with music by The Frights, SWMRS and Melissa Brooks & The Aquadolls.

Try not to break any hearts while you thrash and punch your fellow punkers in the crowd – things are going to get rowdy.

Boogaloo Assassins and The Aggrolites

Hawthorne Heights

A night of funk and reggae that is sure to get the crowd skanking to the beat. Both groups use heavy doses of brass that will contagiously infect to get grooving. Boogaloo Assassins music is inspired by Latin Boogaloo, Latin Soul, Salsa, Latin Funk, Guajira, Cha-Cha, Pachanga and Son Montuno. While The Aggrolites infuse rocksteady , ska, Motown and punk-rock energy with Jamaican rhythm.

7:30 p.m. | $20 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

Emo music is making a comeback, and not just with DJ sets at local venues throwback bands like Hawthorn Heights are just as

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

8 p.m. |$17-$22 The Regent 448 S. Main St., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

FEB / MON / 15

Monday, Feb. 15

The Growlers 8 p.m. | $25 The Observatory 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana Tickets: www.observatoryoc.com.

The Bomb 4 p.m. | FREE La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles .

Peter Mazza 9 p.m. | $15 Blue Whale 123 Astronaut S. Onizuka St , Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

FEB / TUE / 16

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Wolfmother 7:30 p.m. | $20 The Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles.

Tickets: www.axs.com.

Wolfmother first made their mark in 2005 with the debut the album’s lead single, “Woman,” which was a Top 10 hit on the rock charts and won a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. The Grammy Museum will wel-

calendar come Wolfmother to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on their new album and a special performance. Wolfmother are set to release their new album, Victorious, on Feb. 19.

Wet 8 p.m. | $14.50-$18 The Echo 1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

Brian Fallon & The Crowes 7 p.m.

The Troubadour 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

La Cuenta 9 p.m. | $22-$25 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood Tickets: www.ticketfly.com.

Jack’s Mannequin 8 p.m. | $35.50 The Observatory 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana Tickets: www.observatoryoc.com.

reggie watts Photo by kris krug

Reggie Watts

She Wants Revenge

9 p.m. | $10 El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets available at the door.

9 p.m. | $32.50 Fonda Theatre 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: www.axs.com.

Advertise your event in our calendar @ events@hl rmedia.com

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| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 |

/17

feature

CityHeART giving love to those who need it most

A

newly founded non-profit organization in Long Beach, CityHeART is combining art and community service to highlight issues or causes in the city. This Valentine’s Day, its members will be giving out blankets and hygiene packages to some of the homeless within Long Beach, said Paige Pelonis, president and co-founder of CityHeART. CityHeART’s mission is to engage with the community by promoting awareness of significant issues and providing resources for those who are affected, according to their website. Every few months, or quarter of the year, its members focus on a specific issue in Long Beach. Now, for its first quarter, CityHeART is focusing on addiction in Long Beach.

“Each event will tell the true story of addiction in Long Beach. Whether that’s resources, what it is like to be a veteran and struggling with dependency issues, LBGTQ; whatever that version is, they’re telling the story through their art medium,” Pelonis said.

“We will do an art gallery, a photo gallery, a reading, and a documentary screening all telling the story of addiction in the city,” Pelonis said. The four main artists for CityHeART are a writer, photographer, painter and videographer. However, the organization welcomes artists from all mediums, like dancers, musicians, or any of form of art that can tell a story.

Their first fundraising event was an auction on January 31. There were about 40 or 50 pieces of art that night, Pelonis said, ranging from short stories, framed poetry, paintings, and many other things. They sold almost all of the pieces.

These art events are fundraisers, with the proceeds going to CityHeART and other non-profits that the organization is partnered with. For this quarter, Pelonis said they are partnered with Safe Refuge,

By Emily Rassmussen

18 /

which provides resources for struggling and recovering addicts in the city.

“We are going to help [Safe Refuge] put on a six-week art workshop this quarter, where our artists are going to go in and instruct recovering addicts or clients of safe refuge in that art platform,” Pelonis said.

“We’re going to do a writing workshop, a painting workshop, a couple of different ones – as a therapeutic means for these clients to reflect their struggles.”

In addition to the art events for spreading awareness, CityHeART also does community service. Its members participate in a monthly park clean-up with Friends of Bixby Park, according to CityHeART’s website.

“We didn’t want to set up a platform where we just talk about community service, we want to show people community service by us participating, visually telling the stories of the people we are helping,” said Izzy Matos, co-founder, secretary, and treasurer of CityHeART. Pelonis and Matos started CityHeART at the beginning of this year. Their kickoff event was on New Year’s Eve at The Brass Lamp, a coffee-shop, wine bar, and bookstore in downtown Long Beach. Most of the events are planned to be hosted at The Brass Lamp, where Pelonis and Matos are both working managers.

The idea for CityHeART started there, with Pelonis bouncing ideas around with artists to figure out a way to make community service “hip, interesting, and exciting,” she said.

Pelonis, a recent graduate of California State University Long Beach, said she had been getting frustrated while studying international studies and learning about the many struggles of the world.

“I was getting really frustrated and kind of depressed about not being able to make any significant impact,” Pelonis said. “So I wanted to come up with something that I could tie art and figure out a way to actually

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

Long Beach’s new non-profit CityHeART helps people in need by providing resou rces, showcasing art, and fundraising events.

- Photos by Karen Sawyer

make a difference.

“What we have done, going out to research or meet people, talking to members of the homeless community and bring food for them,” Pelonis said.

“They’re really appreciative and it is really meaningful to see that happen. “

Although it is just the beginning, Pelonis said, it has been really good for the artists, creating a platform for them that means something. Any artists that want to be a part of CityHeART can email love@ourcityheart. org for more information.

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Framing framing Vivid Framing 501 E. Broadway Suite B. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 912-4008 Furniture furniture store Inretrospect 2122 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 433-6600 Gift Shopgift shop Shades of Afrika 1001 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-2210 Government government Councilmember AL Austin main office 333 W. Ocean Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 999-6438 District8@LongBeach@ gmail.com Councilmember AL ALUSTIN (Fields OFFICE) 5641 Atlantic Avenue.

Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 570-1326 Hardware store hardware Anderson Hardware 714 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 437-2929 andersonpaintandhardware.com Hospital hospital VA Long Beach Health system 5901 7th St., Building 165 Long Beach, CA 90805 (562) 826-8000 Hotel

hotel

Seaport Marina Hotel 6400 Pacific Coast Highway.

Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 434-8451 Seaportmarinahotel.com Juice Bar juice bar Rainbow Juices 246 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 912-4281 Rainbowjuices.com

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classifieds Laundromat laundromat Fluffy Dry 3620 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90803 Library library Bay Shore Branch Library 195 Bay Shore St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 570-1039 Liquor liquor Store store Speedy Liquor 3036 E. 4TH St. Long Beach, CA 90810 (562) 438-0408 Sierra Liquor 1601 E. 4TH St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 495-9797 Ambassador Liquor 1642 E. 4TH St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-8533 Loma Liquor 220 Loma Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 439-3390 Pacific Liquor 1895 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 218-5294 Bel Shore Liquors 5340 E 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 433-2711 Market markets Kress Market 443 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-8300 Kressmarket.com Top Value Market 421 S. Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-7866 EL Mercado#2 1168 E 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 432-6949 Eddie’s Market 2444 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 343-5144 Eddiesmarketpizza.com Music Store music store The HUB 2148 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 343-2381 Fingerprints Music 420 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 433-4996 Fingerprintsmusic.com 20 /

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Third Eye Records 2701 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 Thirdeyerecordshop.com (714) 415-5800 Nutrition nutrition shop Max Muscle 322 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-9119 maxmuscle.com Pet Care pet care Pussy & Pooch 4818 E. Second St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 434-7700 Pussyandpooch.com

Sweet Dixie Kitchen 401 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-2253 Red Hot 515 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 983-6100 Honduras Kitchen 515 Long Beach Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 624-8849 HKHonduras.com Kafe Neo 1909 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 987-1210 kafeneolb.com

Soggy Dog 344 E. 4th St Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 432-6934 soggydoglb.com

Yummy Garden 2741 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 433-6185 Theyummygarden.com

Printing Service printing serviceS

Whistle Stop 3701 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 439-0605 whistlestoplb.com

Sir Speedy 701 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 435-2564 Sirspeedy.com Red Eye 2127 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 591-3433 redeyeprinting@yahoo.com Signs signs & Banners & banners Zepp Sign & Banner 400 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 491-5800 zeppsignsandbanners. com Restaurants restaurants Modica’s Deli 455 E. Ocean Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 435-7011 modicas.com Broadway Pizza & Grill 120 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 901-9630 Kabob Curry 108 W. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 495-2262 Octopus Japanese Restaurant 200 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 901-2100 Octopusrestaurant.com Beachwood BBQ 210 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-4020 Beachwoodbbq_lb.com

Mamma Mia’s Pizza 4403 E 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 438-0788 MamamiaLB.com Linda`s Mexican Delight 951 Redondo Ave. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 439-2121 Taco Chapala 3205 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 498-0570 Mi Ranchito 2912 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 434-4546 Omega Drive – In 2641 E. Anaheim St Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 434-5616 Denny’s 5570 Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 498-1897 Valentino 5782 E. 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 438-3939 Chronic Taco 3870 E Ocean.

Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 438-2714 Eatchronictacos.com Sushi Zenmaru 454 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-9828

classifieds American Steak & Fries 700 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 634-5172

Artisan Pasta 2306 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 80814 (562) 439-8565

Cinco De Mayo 351 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 432-1604

Super Mex 4711 E.2nd St. Long Beach 90802 (562) 439-4489 Supermex.com

Canadian Pizza &Grill 1241 E.4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 980-7605 Jerry’s place 1537 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-3323 Utopia Good Food & Fine Arts 445 E. 1st St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 432-6888

Retail

retail

Beach Bargain 700 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 912-4650

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shoe store

Private Sneaker 4640 E. Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 498-1238

WA WA 406 E 1ST St. Suite A Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3485

Skate store

Steamed Organic Vegetarian Cuisine 801 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-1122 steamedcusine.com

Ashley Distribution Services in Colton, CA seeks:

Pacific Discount Store 2073 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 612-0705

The Village Grind 443 E 1St St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 506-1190

Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles 730 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-8355

TRUCK DRIVERS OTR/CLASS A CDL

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skate store

Long Beach Skate 3142 E. 7th St Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 434-5527 Skin Care

Call 1-800-837-2241 email: jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com or www.ashleydistributionservices.com to apply under jobs.

skin care

Image Rx 6214 E Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 9080 (562) 323-3356 Smoke Shop

smoke shops

Gabriel’s Burger 2001 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 591-1602

Cherry Smoke & Skate 418 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 343-5151

Cyclo S.E Asian Noddle’s 4754 Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 494-1230

LB SMOKE SHOP 1162 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 495-4828

The Social List 2105 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 433-5478

Marina Tobacco 6244 E. Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 597-0095

Belmont Burger 440 4th St. Long Beach, CA 80814 (562) 439-8565

Vapor Underground 207 Pine Ave Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 999-6438

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artist of the week

heva gac dol ria a d y to b pho

F

or every art form, there is a genre of freestyle -freestyle verses breakdancing, performance drawing, abstract painting, just to name a few. “Freestyle” goes against set guidelines of what viewers expect, and is often praised for spur of the moment, organic creation.

But how does that definition fit when posed to body art? Ivana Belakova, Long Beach’s self-taught tattoo artist, shakes the rules of how tattoos are first designed, then stenciled, and executed.

She was born in a small village in Slovakia, and tattooed for the first time when she was 18 years old. Over the course of her 15-year career, she expanded her name throughout the United States, Australia and several countries in Europe. She has won global awards, featured in numerous Tattoo magazines, exhibited her work in art galleries and Body Art Expos and even more are listed on her online portfolio. Currently, she tattoos at Outer Limits Tattoo Shop on South Chestnut Place. People, locally and internationally, are lining up to be Belakova’s blank

by Olivia Otsuki

22 /

canvas.

What does freestyle tattooing look like?

Belakova explains, “I have no plan, I don’t know how it is going to turn out. When people ask me how it is going to look like, I really don’t know.” While her nature based tattoos are often described as watercolor painting with a twist of street art, illustration, or graphic design, Belakova describes it as “organized chaos.”

Skin as a canvas requires artistic flexibility because it is as diverse as each person she tattoos, “I really enjoy working with the skin, even though it is difficult,” she says.

“The skin is really unpredictable – you never

| FEBRuary 10 - February 16, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

know what you get, it’s challenging. I love the moment when I start to do something and I see how I feel.”

She does not practice or sketch her tattoos beforehand: “Before, I used to draw my designs first . . . but how can I draw something before knowing your body?” she says.

“Body flow and knowing your personality is important.”

When a client sends her an inquiry, he or she can ask her for a subject such as, “elephant” or “rose,” but that is it. She says, “I want you to keep it simple – one or two words. If you want to tell me the story behind it, I want you to tell me after, because I

don’t want to be distracted.

The only technical preparation she does is gather at least 30 references to draw from. Over days, she narrows the images down to three, and chooses what closely matches what she calls her “visions of flesh.”

The rest of her preparation is a creative process that mimics meditation. The night prior to a session, she focuses on her artistic visions before sleep so she can feel a firm mental grasp of what she will create.

On the morning of a session, she enjoys a silence that she considers her cleanest state of mind. “I only take one client a day so you have my full attention. I don’t want to think about anything else. If you are with me – you are with me.”

She takes the subject provided by the client, but the rest is up to her – from the positioning, placement, size, color scheme, and style. She says, “Everything is up to me.

If you want to get a tattoo from me, I need complete artistic freedom. For example, sometimes I want to do tattoos on your hands, or on your neck . . . To me, you are my canvas . . . My clients are always super cool about it because I am very clear about how I work.” continued

artist of the week

Within this intimate space, Belakova creates a design that evokes a client’s unique energy. “I just go freely from how I feel, and each client is individual,” she says. “Once I see you, once I see your body shape, then I know.”

In the early stages of the tattoo, she will get the foundations of her art down. While she tattoos, she gets to know her client more closely, and that relationship inspires the creation of the tattoo. Even though she may not know what it will look like when she first starts, by the end she says, “It is perfect.”

Since each tattoo is specialized, Belakova says, “I never do the same design twice. It is impossible.” She sees each tattoo as a gift for an individual, and aims to create positivity and natural beauty with each work, “I want you to have a beautiful experience.”

Ivana tattoing a portrait of Ruby Rose (left) One of Ivana’s bird tattoos that features her watercolor style

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