2016 02 17 theedge finalthumbs

february 17 - February 23, 2016 VOL. 1 – Issue No. 4

www.theedgelb.com

Bu$ker$ Alive and Well in Long Beach

inside: the top 20 coffee shops bellies don’t lie the little airport that can Keeping it local - made The Edge Long Beach

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| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

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Welcome to The Edge FOUNDER/PRESIDENT Von Raees 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 WEBSITE Jorge Arroyo SALES Victor Zuleta Mike Suarez Candace Klewer DISTRIBUTION SUPERVISOR Edward Davis ACCOUNTING Vera Shamon PUBLISHER HLR Media ADVERTISING advertising@hlrmedia.com

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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.

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coffee shops

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Buskers Alive and Well in Long Beach

525 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (626) 386-3457 Fax: (626) 600-4452

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The eye in the sky

cover:

06 09

FEATURE: 11 “MADE” in long beach

business: 13 The Long Beach Airport

ENTERTAINMENT: 1 1 Bellies don’t lie

CALENDAR: 15 What’s Going on in and Around Long Beach

CLASSIFIEDS: 20 artist of the week:

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news

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limbing to 500 feet above the ground, Michael Colbert hovers over Long Beach in a dark blue aircraft. The propeller’s thud can be heard over the noise of the city, signaling that any mischief better hide, and quickly.

Colbert is a corporal and has been a helicopter pilot for 14 years at the Long Beach Police Department. His job is unique, serving as the eyes for patrol officers on the ground.

“I have a specific job and that is to manage the scene and

by Emily Rasmussen

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The Eye in the Sky make sure that everybody is safe,” Colbert said. “Whether that be our civilians, the police officers, or the suspects.”

Having the ability to fly from one side of town to another within three minutes gives a huge advantage to Colbert, compared to ground officers whom he said could take at least 35 minutes to cover the same distance.

From his aerial perspective, Colbert said that he can do the work of between 22 to 35 ground officers. It is easy to see why, after going up in the air with Colbert and his co-pilot.

Houses look like monopoly pieces, trees turn to little stems of broccoli, and come ants. But people beif you know how to look and where to look, there is a lot to see at 500 feet.

How the Long Beach Police Department Stays on top of crime During my aerial ride-a-long, within an hour Colbert assisted Long Beach patrol officers with information on suspects for several calls. The first call Colbert assisted on involved two people walking along Pacific Avenue.

After receiving the call, Colbert steered the aircraft towards the area within seconds. As the helicopter lowered toward the ground to get a better perspective, I could make out the color of their clothes and basic features.

Colbert called in the information over the radio. Soon after, the patrol car pulled up and an officer started talking to them.

Having finished the duty of getting the information to the officer, Colbert flew away to give another surveillance sweep of the city. Since the helicopter is usually first to a crime scene, his job is to relay information to other officers or supervisors.

“How I manage a pursuit is to supply information. About weather, speeds, directions of travel, the pedestrians,” Colbert said. “That way the supervisor who is not on scene can get a visualization of what is going

on.”

LBPD Lt. Kris Klein is in charge of the traffic section of field support. He oversees all motors, from collision investigations to aviation.

“Anytime [helicopters] would enhance the safety and security of the officers on the ground, people on the ground, they act as a force multiplier,” Klein said. “So a lot of times what they respond to is the more violent crimes and higher priority calls.”

A concern on the rise for the LBPD is recreational drone use, which in some instances have gotten close to some of the helicopters.

“The issue with drones is the pilot who is on the ground, controlling that drone, doesn’t have a stake in it,” Colbert said. “If it ends up running into my helicopter, I die, the other pilot doesn’t.”

If an emergency happens while in the air, Colbert said he has an estimated 18 seconds to act and try to land.

As far as drone use by the LBPD, Klein said that it is something that they have thought about, but would not expect anytime soon – primarily because

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com continued

NEWS

of privacy and legal issues.

“Obviously drones would be a great tool because of safety reasons,” Klein said.

“But a machine is never going to replace a human being. And in our line of work, that’s very important.”

www.theedgelb.com

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top 20 Eco Coffee House 5475 E. Carson St.

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Students, Families, Joggers and everyone in between flock to Eco Coffee because of its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The shop itself is very small inside, which makes customers feel close to one another without feeling claustrophobic. Like the many coffee shops in Long Beach, art is displayed on the walls, the open door lets in the sounds and breeze from outside and the baristas make you feel at home.

(Seal Beach) Javatini's Espresso 148 Main St.

Monday-Thursday and Sundays 6 a.m.-9 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

I ordered the bacon latte, escaping my risk revered habits of always ordering a caramel latte at every coffee shop. That is how it is at Javatinis. Located in the center of Seal Beach’s historic Main Street, this small neighborhood coffee shop attracts tourists, keeps the locals coming back and creates new friendships with every order.

The Library 3418 E. Broadway Ave.

by Madison D’Ornellas Village Grind 443 E. First St.

Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-5 p.m., Fridays 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

If Jerry Seinfeld had a favorite Los Angeles County coffee shop it would be Village Grind. The coffee is good and made fast. The shop is steps away from the ocean. And the space, its employees and the local noise in the foreground will, without a doubt, curb your enthusiasm.

Recreational Coffee 237 Long Beach Blvd., Suite A

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Monday-Wednesday 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursdays-Fridays 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

With no outside seating and an open-mic night every Thursday, this coffee shop pulls you in like family and newfound friends.

Bright colored walls, tables and chairs and locally created art splash throughout the shop. The baristas treat you like family.

Even if there is a long line or if it is your first time at the shop, the man at the counter will walk you through your order with no rush so that you are completely satisfied.

Portfolio Coffee house 2300 E. Fourth St.

Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

So what makes Portfolio’s the #1 coffee house in Long Beach? The baristas? The location? The coffee?

The music? Go in. See and taste for yourself.

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

The Attic 3441 E. Broadway Ave.

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 8 a.m-10 p.m.

You’re in a house. An actual house.

There’s dogs scampering about and the coffee between your hands will be unforgettable. But the vibe at The Attic will leave you speechless and in a good mood for the rest of your day.

Bogart's Coffee House (Seal Beach) 905 Ocean Ave.

Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Fridays 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sundays 7 a.m.-9 p.m You can see it. Not Russia, not Canada.

But you can see Catalina Island from Bogart’s in Seal Beach. Besides the view and the closeness to the pier, this spot is the embodiment of a “local coffee shop.”

Lounge on one of the couches, open a local newspaper and enjoy the views from the coastal scenes. But step lively, tourists included.

The Birdcage Coffee House 224 W. Fourth St.

Closed Mondays, Tuesdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Stepping into the Birdcage is like entering a cozy cornucopia of colours, art and plants. This tiny gem is engulfed in ivy, with great, secluded outside seating that makes you feel like a spy.

Courtesy-photo-of-Flickr-by-Jen-Collins

Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Even the website screams “cool”. Recreational is the groovy, white-space -filled Seattle shop nestled in the heart of downtown Long Beach.The coffee is every essence of the bean; crisp, warm and full of flavor.

And if the awesome, relaxing activity that is sitting in Recreational across from a buddy, drinking heavenly coffee get boring for you, try out one of the coffee shop’s brewing and cupping classes. Learn about coffee when you’re digesting the good stuff.

Viento y Agua 4007 E. Fourth St.

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-midnight, Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-midnight This coffee shop is literally a small library. You walk in through the open French doors into a world of vintage carpet, lamps and chairs. The Library is walled with old paintings, a glass cabinet filled with ancient china cups, sau-

cers and dolls and an ambiance that screams “Relax!” Whatever you do, get a lemon bar.

TOP 20 More like a bird’s nest then a cage, the Birdcage can’t and shouldn’t be missed.

Oh yeah, the staff is the epitome of welcoming and the coffee is delicious.

Berlin Bistro 420 E. Fourth St.

Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Berlin is one of the most relaxing places in Long Beach. Juxtaposing the infamous record store Fingerprints, Berlin is all groovy, hip and too cool for anybody and everybody. Yes, the Mexican Mocha is insane. Yes, the view out of the tall windows surrounding the cafe are haunting and calming. But the grilled cheese will change your life. Good luck.

The Brass Lamp 245 Promenade, Suite 100

Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-1 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Illuminating. Lofty. Spacious. The Brass Lamp is the coffee shop that you’ve been missing. It has become the needed watering hole for bookworms, local singer-songwriters and chillaxers. The staff treats you like an old friend and is just as excited as the people who walk in and see the space for the first time.

Lord Windsor Roasters 1101 E. Third St.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Lord Windsor is heart.

Locally brewed, essentially simple heart. If you are looking for a low-key, unforgettable coffee experience, surrender to the Lord and get over to 3rd street.

There’s nothing else to say. Just go.

Rose Park Roasters 3044 E. Fourth St. 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily If Lord Windsor had a sweet, just-as-good cousin, it’d be Rose Park Roasters. Who has the best coffee between the two? Whose vibe is vibier? There’s no answer.

Go to both. Love both.

And don’t forget Cousin Rose.

Royal Cup Cafe 994 Redondo Ave.

Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sundays 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mango chutney.

Art inhabiting the walls. An addictive, mellow space. Why haven’t you been to Royal yet?

Fox Coffee House 437 W. Willow St.

courtesy of facebook

berlin bistro courtesy of facebook

Mondays 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Fridays 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursdays 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Sundays 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

There’s something magical in the pastries at Fox Coffee Shop.

When you find out what it is, let us know.

Challenge: try all of the silly-named drinks on the menu. The inside of Fox might seem underwhelming, but as soon as you sit and settle with your coffee and fresh (magical) pastry, it’ll take you less than five minutes to relax.

Makai Coffee 2771 E. Broadway Ave.

Polly's Gourmet Coffee 4606 E. Second St.

Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

So there’s this rumor. Rumor has it that the chai latte at Polly’s will turn you into a chai-head. There’s also a rumor that this quaint coffee mecca is located on 2nd street and doesn’t get packed. And yea, people are saying that the only reason to go to Polly’s is to see the Birdsong nut sack. Or sack of nuts. Go to Polly’s, and try to disprove the rumors.

Steelhead Coffee Company 1208 E. Wardlow Road

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

This has got to be the most modern coffee shop in Long Beach. To the succulents perched on simple, wooden tables against white walls to the lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling.

Come on, there’s a map of the world comprised of dots staring you down as you sip your delicious cold brews.

Steelhead not only brews fantastic coffee, but the shop itself will make you feel hip. Hipper. Hipster. Coffee!

www.theedgelb.com

Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Their coffee is delicious, pure and satisfying. Along with their fantastic coffee and incredible baristas, the shop itself is worth stepping into. The interior is clean-cut, trimmed with red, brick and wood on the walls. No large menu is displayed; the menu is at the register, which is an iPad that handles your payment. Little light is needed inside due to the large open windows that surround Makai.

Hot Java 2101 E. Broadway Ave.

Daily 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

The interior of Hot Java is both impressive and comfortable. Equipped with art pieces on the white walls that counter the harsh black of the ceiling’s wood panels and a number of couches and tables and chairs, this coffee shop invites you in to sit down and enjoy.

Although Hot Java has a large inside space, the mood generates a mindyour-own-business feel. This coffee shop is great for anyone that needs to get some sort of work done, whether it’s homework or taxes.

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| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

Perfectly Imperfect

cover

Buskers Alive and Well in Long Beach Forget Snoop and Sublime, these musicians make some of the city's best music

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ong Beach has long been renowned for its music scene.

Go ahead and type in Long Beach music into any search engine and you’ll spend the next five hours rummaging through a history rich with famous musical artists who have either visited or come up from the city.

What you’re about to read has nothing to do with any of that.

This is about the city’s other group of stars; the buskers. If you don’t know what busking is, it’s playing music or otherwise performing for “voluntary donations” - tips people - in the streets or in subways.

We don’t have subways in Long Beach, so our unsung heroes are working the streets for a simple dollar or handful of change.

They pour out their souls as people walk past, trying to drown out the traffic, seeking simple recognition.

Here are just a few of many. Meet the buskers of Long Beach:

by Blake Pinto

Billy Rose -You name it, he'll sing it

Billy Rose is a man of many words. And many songs, too.

“I’m a walking jukebox,” Rose, 57 says. “I can sing from now until Jesus comes back.

Just punch a number and I’ll sing you a song. I know thousands of songs.”

Rose is one of the most recognizable musicians around Long Beach. If he isn’t at one of the farmer’s markets around town (or in Los Angeles or Santa Monica), then he is performing in front of a restaurant on Second Street, or perhaps you can find him on Pine Avenue or Fourth Street.

But you won’t find Rose on social media; he doesn’t have a Facebook account, he doesn’t tweet and he’s not on Instagram.

Pardon the pun, but you find out about Billy through word of mouth.

“I try to reach people through the music I

sing,” he says. “I love singing country and western and gospel. I love singing George Jones songs. I know how to connect with people.”

Rose, who moved to Long Beach from Antigua 16 years ago, wrote his first song when he was 8. He started singing by participating in the church choir. He picked up a guitar at the age of 16 and hasn’t put it down. He plays piano and the steel drum, too.

The Caribbean Cowboy has one CD available to purchase (he keeps them in his open guitar case as he performs) and he is working on two more: one gospel and one country and western.

“I’m trying to get from Point A to Point B in my career,” Rose says. “I perform at the markets because you never know who is listening to you. Someone is going to find me. Someone is going to put me on the map.”

As Rose travels around the city to perform, musicians ask to sit in with him; he never refuses. And the other performers who are competing for those dollar bills to be thrown their way? Billy doesn’t mind.

“We are a brotherhood of musicians,” he says. “Sometimes, when I walk by looking for a place to set up, they will say ‘Billy, come sing a song with us.’ And I’m happy to do it.”

Rose wouldn’t reveal what his income is from all these gigs he does every week. All he says is that some days are better than others. To supplement his singing, Rose is an auto mechanic, not with a shop or a dealership; he works out of his house. And his taste in cars runs toward the “high end.”

“I drive a ’95 Jaguar and I have a BMW 740il in the garage,” he says with a smile.

Last Sunday at the farmer’s market in the Marina, Rose, who looks immaculate in his freshly-pressed shirt and pants, is playing with cellist Ken Shaw and Karen Maggiano, who plays the mandolin. Both have high

Billy Rose, the Carribbean Cowboy, is a staple at the Sunday farmer's market in Long Beach. He's been singing there for 16 years. photo by gary metzker

regard for Rose.

“He is much better than anyone else out there,” says Shaw, a retired registered nurse.

“Billy is one of the best in Long Beach,” Maggiano says. “He’s a real human being. He never, ever misses a lyric.”

As he takes a big gulp of honey before he starts singing, the gravely-voiced Rose paused and smiled as he listened to the comments of his fellow musicians.

“Something good is going to come my way,” he says. “I just have to keep on coming, keep on singing and someone will find me.”

Darryl Mapp and Joe Cardinal - The Odd Couple

Head down Fourth Street’s ‘Retro Row’ on a Friday or Saturday night and you may see something a bit peculiar. Is that a guy playing a piano in the bed of a pickup truck? Yes, yes it is. And is another guy playing the bass and high hat symbol, sitting in front of the truck with a guy playing a piano in it, or am I drunk already? Nope, well maybe, but you definitely did just see that.

“You know, we’re just weird,” Darryl Mapp, says with a laugh, he says many things with a laugh. www.theedgelb.com

Mapp and his partner Joe Cardinal make up the two-man band Classic, and they’ve been busking in and around Long Beach together for roughly 20 years. Nowadays, you can usually find them out front of the Social List throughout the week.

“Nobody would ever let me in their band.” Mapp recalls. “I said fuck it, I’ll start my own band.”

What a band it is. A testament to how opposites attract.

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cover cont I don’t think they’ll be taking it out any time soon.

Angely Mata -- The Young’n

For many teenagers looking for some extra cash, fast food and retail jobs are the go to. Not for 15-year old Renaissance High School student Angely Mata.

“My mom told me, I don’t want you to just ask me for stuff, you need to figure out a way to make your own money,” Mata recalls. “She gave me a dollar and told me to put it in my violin case while I play and people would give me tips.”

It has been two years since her mother’s reality check and Mata has only gotten better. Whenever she can book a spot at the farmer’s market downtown, she grabs her violin, throws a dollar in the case – just like mom taught Joe Cardinal, his dog Duke, and Darryl Mapp – and becomes her own teacher. She doesn’t mind the

-Photos by blake pinto networking opportunities either.

“Connections are everything,” Mata emphasizes, with The 61-year old Mapp is black and Cardinal, 64, is a clear awareness far beyond her years. white. But the differences are much more than skin deep.

She doesn’t even envision a career in music, she wants to Cardinal, with his long hair and bushy stash, has a lively be a nurse, but has fallen in love with serenading shoppers personality. Mapp has a slow, deep and soulful tone to his for her allotted two hour slot. voice and carries himself with some old-school swag that “This is really fun, you get to see different people and litnaturally lends him as the vocals for their band. Cardinal tle kids looking up to you,” Mata says with smile, revealing doesn’t drink; Mapp enjoys his booze. Together, they form the braces that many who have been so young can relate to. a unique band with music that’s better than anything you’ll “It feels good to know that there are younger people who hear in the surrounding restaurants. look up to you and older people as well because some may “We like to kill the music and rock out to their jams,” Jerry Nichols, an employee at the Social List said.

Many locals appreciate the duo, too, especially the crowds waiting in line for dinner. They turn a wait into an event. want to play an instrument but think it’s too late.”

“I’ll support anyone who is willing to load up a piano in As for what inspires her, simple. their truck to perform for tips,” Long Beach resident Mi“My mom didn’t want to give me money,” Mata said. chael Gearin said. “They’re right up my alley.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s how half of musicians have been Cardinal said they’re unique style, which has become inspired. their staple, started from simple convenience.

“We used to bring the piano down to the farmer’s marThe Next Big Thing? ket,” Cardinal recalled. “We would load it and unload it, but Danny Cadiz moved to Long Beach from Big Bear about finally just decided to leave it in there.” five years ago and has been determined to leave his mark on the city ever since. You can find him on Second Street and Park Avenue, strumming his acoustic guitar when he’s not playing with his band Bearwulf.

“It’s a great opportunity to get to know people and practice in a live-show environment,” Cadiz said. “They always have the freedom to walk away.”

Although Cadiz is now in a band, he still sees busking as a great opportunity to further hone his craft and admits, like most have, there is something more than the money that drives him.

“Away from just the money aspect, people are really cool about collaborating, and a lot of cool bands are made from [busking]. Then you get to watch how everyone progresses,” Cadiz says. “Everyone gets to work on their sound and discover who they are. “

Darryl Mapp

Cadiz said that busking epitomizes Long Beach. He thinks that the city is a hub of music and art culture and that buskers only add to that feel of the city. Plus, you always get to meet new faces.

“You never know who you are going to run into on the street,” Cadiz said.

Like so many others, regardless of his future he sees no end to his busking days, it seems to simply become who these people are and continues to help make this city what it is.

“I don’t see an expiration date, it’s always a new day to see what you experience and see billy rose who you can meet,” Cadiz said. “I really enjoy being connected to the local Long Beach music and arts.”

So, next time you see someone on our city streets, tapping the keys of a piano or strumming a guitar, know that they don’t necessarily want your money – but they’ll definitely take it. They’re in it for something bigger, something more and something that just can’t be put into words.

The buskers of Long Beach. They play the city’s most authentic music.

“I’m a walking jukebox. I can sing from now until Jesus comes back.” -

Angely Mata

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| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

Danny Cadiz has been busking on second and Park Avenue for 5 years

Bellies don’t lie

entertainment

Don't laugh,but the Belly Dancer of the

Universe Competition in Long Beach was abs-olutely mesmerizing and humbling.

by Madison D’Ornellas

A

belly dancing competition is not a place to find a date.

Unfortunately, this was not one of my first thoughts when I walked into the Seaside Ballroom at the Long Beach Convention Center during the first day of the 26th annual Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition last Saturday.

I didn’t know what to expect.

Having traveled to Morocco a couple of years ago and walking through the low-hanging, canopy-covered market streets lined with brightly-colored bras and skirts, wondering what these sensual costumes were used for, I was instantly fixed on Luna, a belly dancer from California who was called onto stage as I entered the small ballroom.

With her long, brown, wavy hair, turquoise-bedazzled bra and joyful yet captivating glances toward the five judges and the half-filled audience seats, she floated to the center of the stage, awaiting the drum-induced music.

I don’t think I blinked once.

Belly dancing originated in the Middle East, and is one the oldest remaining dance.

The term “belly dances” is directly derived from the French phrase “danse du ventre.”

This year’s global competition brought dancers from more than 15 countries including France, Trinidad and Tobago, Russia and Turkey.

For Jasirah, a Polish dancer who competed in Luna’s Egyptian Primary category, this was her first United States visit and competition.

Over two days, the competition included various components of belly dancing, from the costumes to the music. Workshops were offered for people looking to learn more about the art form as well as a meet- andgreet with some of the elite dancers.

Atlantis Long, a celebrated member of the belly dancing world with over 20 years of professional experience, produced the Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition with her mother to bring culture and awareness to Long Beach.

Her mother Tonya Chianis, a religious practitioner who taught and performed with Long, is a decorated belly dancer, having won numerous awards, including a seat in the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association Hall of Fame. Twice.

“This is an event of Olympic caliber and 1. that the same pure study and work that goes

Photos by Karen Sawyer

into it, just like any other art form, whether it be ballet, jazz, gymnastics, and that’s what we are trying to bring to the public,” Long said.

Long and Chianis didn’t outsource for competitors. They didn’t have to. Their grown reputation in the belly dancing community does not require them to “go out and solicit people,” Long said.

The dancers come to them.

“My mother is revered all over the globe,” Long said. “Your reputation has a lot to do with it, and with that comes people who want to help you, that want to be connected to you,” she added.

Ingrid Rushing, a first-time competitor and California-native who has been belly dancing for six years, believes that belly live here, and Long Beach actually was the dancing, aside from its sexualized scrutiny, is a strong source for female empowerment. ‘international city,’ and still is.”

The energy hovering from the dressing “It brings such joy,” Rushing said. “I room was more than intense. It was life-orthink for me, being a classic Egyptian-style death.

Makeup ran down faces of dancers dancer, it’s the culture of the dance. For me as they slowly descended the stairs of the it feels really natural. It’s a great way for stage after their dances. These women are women to liberate. It’s good if it’s done with able to be sexy yet graceful while exhibclass. It’s just gorgeous to watch.” iting strength and passion, and are able to Gorgeous. Mesmerizing. Humbling. remove the Hollywood-laid stigma of what “[The competition is] trying to change belly dancing is. the mindset of the art,” Long said. “And it 7.

It is anything but a sex show. happened in Long Beach because we both www.theedgelb.com | FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | /11

- PAID ADVERTIESMENT -

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Bixby Knolls has an active local community. The Richard Goad Theater, home to the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, and the Historical Society of Long Beach, are housed on Atlantic Avenue, just north of Carson Street.

A business district convenient to both downtown Long Beach and downtown Los Angeles; what’s more, it’s minutes from the Long Beach Airport and a half hour from Los Angeles International Airport and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport.

Regular community events, weekly strolls, dining and literary clubs are favorites of the locals. On the west side of the neighborhood, adjacent to the Los Angeles River, is the large Virginia Country Club, which is also the location of the Rancho Los Cerritos historic site.

Trendy small shops and restaurants dot a strip of Atlantic Avenue, south of San Antonio and north o ­ f the 405 Freeway, as well as on the streets surrounding this main thoroughfare. The neighborhood is also serviced by several grocery stores and shopping centers in the local area.

Each month there are a number of programs to meet a variety of tastes and interests. There is no shortage of things to see and do in the Knolls!

For specific locations and times, please visit us at www.bixbyknollsinfo. com or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bkbia.

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| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

business

The little airport that can Long Beach Airport has been selected as a Top 10 airport for second consecutive year.

T

he first transcontinental flight, a biplane flown

by Calbraith Perry Rodgers, landed in 1911 on the sand in Long Beach. In 1919, the first flight school was started right here by Earl S. Daugherty.

The little city airport attracted not only the United States Navy, but the Army Air Corp.

Truly, the Long Beach Airport is the little airport that not only thinks it can; it does.

The airport has not only been named a Top 10 airport in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine for the second consecutive year, it is now in the running for another reader’s choice award from USA Today.

The recognition from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler cited the new concourse, the classic 1940’s style terminal aesthetic and the outdoor wine bar as some of the reasons LBG ranks among one of the best.

The contest by USA Today aims to find the Readers’ Choice for Best Airport Dining for 2016. LGB’s nomination is still in the top spot.

The official winner will be announced on March 10.

Food and restaurants in the airport showcase the taste of local Long Beach favorites.

Passengers can munch on a taco from Taco Beach Cantina with a view of palm trees just outside, savor the flavor of the Greek cuisine from George’s Greek Café, or grab a drink at 4th Street Wine and Beer. And those are only

By Jesus Ambrosio

three of the seven places you can grab a bite while you wait for your flight.

It’s not just the convenience of skipping LAX and local eateries that make LBG special – an active social media presence makes LBG an engaging character of Long Beach.

Local Long Beach musicians are featured on the Long Beach Airport SoundCloud account.

The playlist series titled The Takeoff is distributed online about every month via SoundCloud, and it is currently on its 11th volume in the series of playlists. The Takeoff Vol. XI the latest playlist compilation features nine songs and includes music by local acts like Breatherrr, Cavaller and Good Fingers.

As if that isn’t enough, Southwest Airlines has confirmed that it soon could be one of the new service providers at the Long Beach Airport.

In a press release Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chairman, president and chief executive acknowledged that this bid would make Long Beach an addition to the carrier’s presence in Los Angeles area with current flights at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Ontario International Airport and LAX. The announcement to serve Long Beach was announced by Kelly at a Southwest employment rally in Las Vegas on Wednesday in which he confirmed interest and application process with the Long Beach Airport for Southwest service in 2016.

American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue also submitted applications for the proposed nine

Courtesy of Long Beach Airport

new flights, but Southwest is likely to get priority because the airline carrier does not currently serve the airport.

The Edge spoke with Long Beach Airport Director Bryant Francis to learn more about LBG’s future projects and the airports commitment to creating an engaging experience for travelers that are symbolic of the diversity that Long Beach has to offer.

The Edge:

This is the second consecutive year Long Beach Airport has made the Condé Nast www.theedgelb.com

Traveler top 10 list. How is this recognition a reflection of the service Long Beach Airport provides to its passengers?

Bryant Francis: Condé Nast Traveler’s Best and Worst Airports in America: Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 is determined by their readers.

So this honor has been bestowed upon us by passengers who had an experience at LGB that left an impression with them.

Perhaps they enjoyed our historic and charming main terminal, our ease and accessibility upon arrival, the scenic Cont’d pg. 17

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 |

/13

BUSINESS CONT

courtyard garden with views of the airfield, our high quality of care and service, or the modern passenger concourses with free Wi-Fi—most likely it was some combination of all of these features.

What it tells us for certain is that the effort that our staff put into providing an easygoing and comfortable way to travel is being noticed, and appreciated. There is no higher honor than to hear that expressed directly from our customers.

vThe Edge: What is the importance of having local restaurants that showcase Long Beach as opposed to fast food chains inside the airport?

Bryant Francis: We’re extremely proud to be a part of a community with such an incredible array of dining options.

Bringing some of those well-known, inde-

pendent establishments into our passenger concourses introduces visitors to the delicious flavors, high quality and affordable prices that have made Long Beach a foodie favorite in recent years.

The Edge: How

is music for The Takeoff chosen? Where did this playlist idea come from?

Bryant Francis: The inspiration to create the free SoundCloud playlist, named The Takeoff, came from the work that our Public Affairs office does to stay engaged with our followers on social media.

For many people, music is an important part of traveling, and connecting with them on SoundCloud seemed like a natural extension of our commitment to providing our guests with a unique travel experience.

The Edge: What

is the importance of promoting local musicians through this SoundCloud account?

Bryant Francis: If you’re a visitor to the city you may have heard about our lively music scene, but maybe you don’t have time to check out a show in person.

These playlists are free and easy to access, so the hope is that we can help introduce people to Long Beach artists at their convenience.

The Edge: Are these playlist only online via SoundCloud or is it incorporated into the airport experience for passengers?

Bryant Francis: At the moment, The Takeoff is only available online or through the mobile SoundCloud app, but we promote the play-

lists on our social media channels and we hope that everyone has a chance to enjoy the sounds that make Long Beach such a musically diverse place.

The Edge: Any new or recent additions to the airport that we should know about?

Bryant Francis: Recently, the Annual Noise Budget Analysis and Evaluation indicated that noise generated at the airport has reduced to the point that there is room within the allowed budget for nine additional flight slots, and we have notified all airlines that they are welcome to express their interest in applying for these new slots if they wish.

An important note is that these additional flight slots do not in any way violate or weaken the Noise Ordinance. In fact, the Noise Ordinance requires us to make additional flight slots available when our noise levels are low enough to accommodate them, so abiding by this requirement, and increasing the minimum number of daily commercial flight slots from 41 to 50, is really the best thing we can do to ensure that the Noise Ordinance remains protected and in place.

In addition, JetBlue Airways, LGB’s dominant carrier, has issued a request for a U.S. Customs facility to accommodate international travel at Long Beach Airport. The airport is negotiating with an experienced firm to produce a feasibility study. Both of these issues are currently going through their respective processes, including City Council contract award approval for the feasibility study.

To listen to local musicians featured on The Takeoff visit soundcloud.com/lbairport.

14 /

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

calendar

// FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 23, 2016 // Queen Mary:

[month of March] // March 3 //

“Scotch Dinner” 6pm, $130

Includes a five-course meal made by top chefs and a different liquor to go with each course. Finishes with a dessert and cigar.

The featured Scotch includes a 12-year-old Macallan, a 17-year-old Macallan “Fine Oak” and an 18-year-old Highland Park.

// March 18 //

“Shamrock ‘n’ Roll”

6p.m.-1a.m., 21+, $15 online in advance, $20 at the door

Long Beach Museum of Art: [end of February, beginning of March] // February 18 //

Artist Talk with Lori LaMort 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m., Free

the queen mary

// February 21//

Courtesy photo

Family Artmaking Workshop 11:00a.m.-3p.m., Free

Every third Sunday on the lawn, MOLAA hosts this event inspired by a certain art piece. This project in particular by the Gail Factor piece “Salmon Stripe.”

MOLAA

// February 20//

// February 21 //

// March 11-May 29//

8a.m.-6p.m., $20

7p.m.-9:30p.m., $14.95 per person, $9.95 per Aquarium member

“Beyond the Frame: New Media Arts from Taiwan”

// February 20 //

This exhibition of “new media” artists from Taiwan showcases their skills to use traditional art techniques with modern technology.

Aquarium of the Pacific // February 18 //

“Of Orcas and Men by David Neiwart” Discussion

7p.m.-8:30p.m., $5 for public, Free for members

“Citizen Science for Conservation in Southern California Symposium”

“Aqua Tots: Super Senses of the Sea”

“Ocean’s Orchestra”

Watch a group of twenty string students play to the movement of fish. The performance will be a collaboration between young Los Angeles County music students, WE ARE LIKE MUSIC and the Aquarium.

10a.m.-11:30a.m., 2-3-year-olds, $49 per adult, $20 per guest, $36 for Aquarium members, $15 per guest

// February 26-February 27 //

Event to help toddlers engage their five senses with marine life with making crafts, take a tour of the northern Pacific gallery and touch animals in a private classroom pool. An ocean-themed game of “I Spy” included.

Saturday and Sunday 9a.m.-5p.m.

14th Annual African-American Festival

A weekend of live entertainment, ethnic food and arts and crafts celebrating AfricanAmerican culture.

www.theedgelb.com

// February 19 //

“Latin Rhythms: Garifuna Dance Class”

7p.m.-9p.m., $10 General Admission, Free for members Director of Arts & Cultural Performances for the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United, Inc. Erica Zuniga leads a series of dance grooves to teach the tradition of Garifuna.

February 28

20th Anniversary Festival 11a.m.-5p.m., Free

Check out gallery tours, vendors, permanent collection education and live performances to learn about the history of MOLAA.

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 |

/15

calendar DJ mashup of punk and reggae hits with DJ Alex Transister.

SAT 2/20

Saturday, February 20

Haywyre

9p.m., $17-$20 El Rey Theater 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

Funky Sole!

aquarium of the pacific Courtesy of Flickr by Rex Boggs

WED 2/17

Wednesday, February 17

Lee Ann Womack

7p.m., $20 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood She’s back. But did she ever leave?

The Rhino Takedown with Breatherrr and Gnarvana 7p.m.-10p.m., Free 4th Street Vine 2142 E. Fourth St., Long Beach

THU 2/18

Th ursday, February 18

Flaming Dingos

8p.m., Free, 21+ The Prospector 2400 E. Seventh St., Long Beach

“Retro psychodelic sex-funk dance music”

She Wants Revenge

9p.m., $32.50 Fonda Theatre 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

The Los Angeles native sad-boys are back from hiatus. Check them out to relieve the pain.

Cashmere Cat, Jessie Ware, Ryn Weaver and Tory Lanez, with Benzel 8p.m., $35 El Rey Theater 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 16 /

Avid Dancer, Gothic Tropic, Banta

8p.m.-12:00a.m., Free pehrspace 325 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles

“LA’s finest weekly raw funky soul party”

Questlove with The Gaslamp Killer

90s Goth Klub

9p.m., 21+, $10-$30 Globe Theater 740 South Broadway, Los Angeles Tickets: ticketfly.com

Punk Rock Karaoke: Des and the Cendents, Johnny Madcap & The Distractions, Skaal

Selenamos

All talents welcome. Email Paige@thebrasslampbar.com for more information.

Celebrate the life and career of Selena with tribute band Selenamos with latin pop band Sin Color.

The Good Foot!

The Lowered, CJ Boyd, Cerf Volant, Casey Chisolm

2p.m., Free Amoeba Music Hollywood 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

Open Mic Contest

7:30p.m., $15 The Roxy 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

Elusive

9p.m., $10-$12, 21+ Alex’s Bar 2913 E Anaheim St, Long Beach

FRI 2/19 Friday, February 19

Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, Todo Mundo

10p.m., $5 The Echo 1822 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

8:30p.m., $9.50-$11.50 The Echo 1822 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 7p.m.-9p.m., Free The Brass Lamp 245 Promenade, Long Beach

SUN 2/21

Sunday, February 21

9p.m.-2a.m., $10, 21+ La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles

9.p.m., Free, 21+ The LASH 117 Winston St., Los Angeles

MON 2/22

Monday, February 22

Wynonna & The Big Noise

8p.m., $50 El Rey Theater 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

The storyteller songstress Wynonna Judd readies to croon her old and new fans.

Roses, French Vanilla & Past Life 9p.m., $5 pehrspace 325 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles

Kid Cudi

8p.m., $80-$300+ Hollywood Palladium 6215 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

9p.m., $5 before 10p.m., $7 after, 21+ Alex’s Bar 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

We dare you not to dance to this groovy soul collective of tunes and beats your disco alter-ego would go nuts for.

Dr. Dog

8p.m., $25-$50 The Wiltern 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets: livenation.com

Wayne Lyons

8p.m., Free Amoeba Music Hollywood 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

Punk Reggae Party

9p.m.-2a.m., Free before 10p.m., $5 after, 21+ La Cita 336 S. Hill St., Los Angeles Get angry yet relaxed at this unique

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

Long Beach Museum of Art Courtesy of facebook

calendar Frank Gehry at LACMA

11a.m., General Admission LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

TUE 2/23

Tuesday, February 23

Jennifer Nettles

8p.m., $25-$160 The Wiltern 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

The Writer’s Panel presents “The Last Man on Earth”

7p.m., $10 Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics 7522 Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

CSULB MFA Creative Writing Series

#1 7p.m.

Gatsby Books 5535 E. Spring St., Long Beach

George Carlin: A Place for My Stuff

10:30a.m.

GRAMMY Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles tickets: grammymuseum.org

dr. dog courtesy of facebook

$10 off your $25 purchase.

ORDER ONLINE

WWW.

HKHONDURASKITCHEN.COM LONG BEACH

(562) 624-8849 |1909 E. 4TH ST. HUNTINGTON PARK

(323) 582-9139|2409 E. SLAUSON AVE. kid cudi

Promotional value expires in 30 days. Limit 1 per person, 1 per table, per visit, per day.

Dine-in only, can not be used for Take out or delivery. Not valid with any other discounts, promotions, or offers. Not valid on major federal holidays.

Courtesy of Flickr by Dave Lichterman

www.theedgelb.com

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 |

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classifieds

IF YOU’D LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO APPEAR IN THIS LISTING CONTACT US AT: advertising@hl rmedia.com Adult Store adult store Phat Toys Inc 3314 E.7th St. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 439-8880

Colonial Bakery 335 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-2172 Colonialbakery.net

The Rubber Tree 5018 E 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 434-0027

Pandor Bakery 5327 E. 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 439-7777 Pandorbakery.com

Antiques ANTIQUES

Bank

Casa de Luxe 1903 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 655-5703

Bank of America 4925 E. 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 624-4674

Arts & Crafts arts & crafts

Bar & Grill bar & grill

Clay Ceramics Studio 406 E.1st St. Suite B Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 495-4362

Pike Restaurant & Bar 1836 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802

Attorney attorney Sanborn & Sine 5199 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 501 Long Beach, CA90804 (562) 498-3955 Attorney - Estate planning Planning attorney/estate Barth Calderon 333 City Blvd. Suite 2050 Orange, CA 92868 (714) 704-4828 www.barthattorneys.com Attorney – Labor Fisher & Phillips LLP 2050 Main Street, Suite 1000 Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 798-2118 www.laborlawyers.com Auto Service auto service Seven Auto Services 3201 7th St. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 434-3580 BAGELRYbagelry 5th Ave Bagelry 247 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (626) 499-6889 Bakeries bakeries Scratch Baked Goods 3950 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 987-1500 Scratchbakedgood.com 18 /

bank

ACRS Crew Lounge 623 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 435-0300 MVP’s Grill & Patio 2742 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 439-0809 Poke Bar 525 E. 1ST St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 336-1740 Pokebar.com MVP’S Grill & Patio #3 937 Redondo Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 434-6877 Carreras Grill 5650 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 438-2428 Shannon on Pine 209 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-4363 Shannononpine.com

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beauty

Envy Beauty Studio 3370 E. 7th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 433-9946 EnvyBeautyStudio.Com Supercuts 314 Elm Ave. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 438-1454 Diana`s Beauty Salon 1220 Gladys Ave. Long Beach, CA (562) 856-7817 Nail Studio 342 E 4th St Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 983-6800

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cafe

Dolly’s Delectable 245 W. Broadway.

Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-9400 Dolysdelectables.com

King Nail 62 ELM Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 983-9100

George’s Greek Café 1135 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-1184

Elianeth 2059 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 481-0010

Viento y Agua 4007 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 434-1182 Vientoyaguaevents@ gmail.com

Barbershop barber shops

Las Socias 217 W. 21st St. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 480-0061

Deluxe Parlor 329 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 432-8259

Chayo’s Beauty Salon 426 E. 1st St. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 495-1396

Razor Backs 3400 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 433-4444 Razorbackbarbershoplb.com

Bicycle Shop bike shops

True Touch Nail 5668 N. 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 987-4014

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

Egg Heaven Café 4358 E 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 433-9277 eggheavencafe.com Royal Cup Café 994 Redondo Ave. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 987-1027 Royalcupcake.com

Chuck’s Coffee Shop 4120 E. Ocean Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 987-1027 Ahinsa Vegan Café 340 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 435-7113 Birdcage Coffee Shop 224 W. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-9835 Pot Wonder Café Too 3700 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 433-9305 Thepotholdercafe.com Creme de la Crepe 400 E. 1st St. Long Beach, CA 90802 Cremedelacrepe.com The Small Café 5656 E. 2nd St Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 434-0026 Thesmallcafe.com The Coffee Bean & Tea Lea 5101 E 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 930-0246 Carwash carwash Crystal Auto Spa 3525 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 295-7076 Children’s storestore children's Lil Devils 2218 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 439-0555 lildevilsboutique.com Chiropractor chiropractor SOHMA Integrative Health Center (562) 420-2112 www.SOHMA.org Chocolate store store chocolate Anandamide 2040 E.4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 248-2711 Blisscompound.com

Clothing Store store clothing Junk in the Trunk 3134 E.7th St. Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 248-2711 Commercial Insurance commercial insurance Sierra Republic 111 W. Ocean Blvd, Ste 400 Long Beach, CA90802 (310) 995-4471 www.sierra-republic.com Commercial commercialReal realEstate estate iCore Global 444 W. Ocean Blvd, Ste 800 Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 285-9974 www.iCOREGLOBAL.com CPA cpa

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classifieds Eye Care eye care

Insurance insurance

Quality Eye Care 619 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 366-0777

Monarch Coast Insurance Solutions 10541 Calle Lee, Suite 125 Los Alamitos , CA 90720 (714) 886-3020 www.monarchcoastline.com

Financial Planner financial planner

Jewelry Designdesign jewelry

Stone Hatcher 333 City Blvd. West, Ste 2050 Orange, CA 92868 (714) 704-6616 www.stonehatcher.com

Something Fine 218 Main St. Seal Beach, CA90740 (562) 596-5105 www.something-Fine.com

Framing framing

Juice Bar juice bar

Vivid Framing 501 E. Broadway Suite B. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 912-4008

Rainbow Juices 246 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 912-4281 Rainbowjuices.com

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@ markets 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

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

market

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 Third Eye Records 2701 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (714) 415-5800 Thirdeyerecordshop.com Movers Commercial & movers-commercial Industrial /industrial Ace Relocation Solution, Inc. 189 W. Victoria St. Long Beach, CA 90805 (310) 735-0417 www.acerelocation.com Nutrition shop shop nutrition Max Muscle 322 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-9119 maxmuscle.com Online Marketing online marketing Breakthrough SEO Marketing www.barthattorneys.com (714) 704-4828 Payroll Solutions payroll solutions Loyalty Processing (310) 200-6724 www.loyaltyprocessing.com Paychex 1535 Scenic Avenue. Ste 100 Costa Mesa, CA92626 (714) 434-9100 x51025 www.paychex.com

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| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 |

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TRUCK DRIVERS OTR/CLASS A CDL

Max Muscle 322 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-9119 maxmuscle.com

Ashley Distribution Services in Colton, CA seeks:

Pussy & Pooch 4818 E. Second St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 434-7700 Pussyandpooch.com

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Pasadena Press Beacon Merchant Solutions, LLC is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, CA. © 2015 Beacon Merchant Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners.

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

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

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

Honduras Kitchen 515 Long Beach Blvd.

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Canadian Pizza &Grill 1241 E.4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 980-7605

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

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

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Mamma Mia’s Pizza 4403 E 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 438-0788 MamamiaLB.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

Sushi Zenmaru 454 Pine Ave. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-9828

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Zepp Sign & Banner 400 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 491-5800 zeppsignsandbanners.com

Encore Awards 1344 Newport Avenue.

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Chronic Taco 3870 E Ocean.

Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 438-2714 Eatchronictacos.com

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

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Valentino 5782 E. 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 438-3939

Sweet Dixie Kitchen 401 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 628-2253

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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

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 The Village Grind 443 E 1St St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 506-1190 WA WA 406 E 1ST St. Suite A Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3485 Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles 730 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-8355 Steamed Organic Vegetarian Cuisine 801 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-1122 steamedcusine.com Gabriel’s Burger 2001 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 591-1602

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classifieds Belmont Burger 440 4th St. Long Beach, CA 80814 (562) 439-8565 Artisan Pasta 2306 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 80814 (562) 439-8565 Super Mex 4711 E.2nd St. Long Beach 90802 (562) 439-4489 Supermex.com Realtor

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Coastal Homes Group (562) 253-4860 www.gregernst.com Realreal Estate - Lender estate - lender CLS Financial Services 4450 Cerritos Ave. Los Alamitos, CA 90720 (562) 234-2542 www.loansmadepossible.com Tax Consulting tax consulting Tax Consulting and More 3520 Long Beach Blvd. #212 Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 427-4536 www.taxconsultingnow.com Technology technology Titan Technologies 925 Driftwood Ave. Seal Beach, CA 90740 (213) 784-3070 www.titan-ca.com Title Company title company Linear Title Company of CA 301 E. Ocean Blvd. Suite 2020 Long Beach, CA 90802 (435) 252-5245

Retail

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Beach Bargain 700 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 912-4650 Pacific Discount Store 2073 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806 (562) 612-0705 Shoe Store shoe store Private Sneaker 4640 E. Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 498-1238

FEATURE

Keeping it local The owners of MADE feature Long Beach artisans who make anything from soaps to purses to evening gowns.

Skate store skate store Long Beach Skate 3142 E. 7th St Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 434-5527 Skin Careskin care Arbonne (562) 851-0384 Karensatmary.myarbonne.com Image Rx 6214 E Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 9080 (562) 323-3356 Smoke Shop smoke shops Cherry Smoke & Skate 418 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 343-5151 LB SMOKE SHOP 1162 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 495-4828 Marina Tobacco 6244 E. Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 597-0095 Vapor Underground 207 Pine Ave Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 999-6438

to advertise with us: advertising@hlrmedia.com

Localism Bicycle that represents MADE’s goal to provide locally made products to Long Beach locals. photo by olivia otsuki

O

n Black Friday of 2014, MADE in Long Beach, a localism store located at 240 Pine Ave. in downtown Long Beach, opened its doors to the public. “Everything we do is about makers, bakers, and culture shakers,” says DW Ferrell, co-owner of the store. The store features local Long Beach entrepreneurial artisans that make anything from soaps to olive oils, purses to evening gowns.

The items in the store cycle with the seasons.

“Since 2001, America has lost 60,000 manufacturers and businesses,” Ferrell says. “It’s huge. And it’s because at the time, the economy was – how do you get it cheaper?”

Ferrell wants to help enforce a new ethic with MADE. He asks, “How do we bring that shift back to us? How do we keep jobs in the local economy?

How do be not just be consumers,

by Olivia Otsuki

www.theedgelb.com

but producers and keep our young entrepreneurs here instead of having them leave elsewhere?

“Three times more money stays in the local economy when you choose a local merchant,” he says, “and even more when that product is also made here – as opposed to bigger stores where only about 14 percent stays in the economy.”

Ferrell’s goal with MADE is to create a network of local merchants to build a strong network that equals the power of bigger chains. “The conversation is extremely important and the reality is, somewhere north of 95 percent of businesses are small businesses,” he says. “If we network with each other, then the perceived power of chains is not as important.”

In addition to MADE, a store that now hosts 120 different local merchants, Ferrell wants to expand and elevate the local food economy by creating MARKET at MADE. In January 2013, continued

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 |

/21

feature

Local Long Beach soap makers, Coneshe’s and People’s Soap Company featuring their all-natural, handcrafted soaps. photos by olivia otsuki

California created a new State Law called “Cottage Food Operations,” that allows “ . . . individuals to prepare and/or package certain non-potentially hazardous foods in private-home kitchens. . .”

With this law in place, Ferrell wants to open a third of the 12,500-square foot space to local food merchants, where they can sell their homecooked foods and have access to a wider scope of distribution in the city of Long Beach.

“We will be able to have produce such as, avocados and microgreens from a couple local farmers,” he says, “the kinds of foods you would expect to have at a corner market, but it would be local.” They plan to have artisan bread bakers, local honey from two different honey makers and popular snack foods like kale, vegetable, and potato chips.

For produce that cannot be grown locally, for example, coffee, MADE researches different merchants and their ethics. If they are responsibly sourced under fair trade, once the coffee beans land in the United States, it can be locally roasted. “We have five local coffee roasters now, and that’s a huge area of growth, and they all have fair trade ethic of sourcing,” Ferrell says.

Another project Ferrell is working on is the Maker’s Space and Kitchen.

He recently applied for a grant of $380,000 through the Knight Enterprise Fund. More than 4,000 applications were received, and so far, MADE is one of the 158 finalists.

The money would be used for a commercial teaching kitchen where classes on numerous subjects would be taught. Some examples include culinary experts teaching about preparation for packaging recipes 22 /

that require a shelf life, but avoid unhealthy preservatives. Other classes would focus on the business sides of things, such as how to prepare for investments or loans. In the past, they have had tech experts host mini-classes ranging from game design, app development, to Legobased robotics.

The Maker’s Space would also be an area where makers could prototype, package, and test their products with hands-on production equipment. He hopes to create a space for young entrepreneurs to network as makers and merchants, and eventually as manufacturers.

While MADE has been in Long Beach for more than a year, Ferrell says the Long Beach location is one of the youngest MADEs. “There are other MADEs across the U.S.” he says. “We each independently started, and more recently we formed an alliance – Urban Manufacturing Alliance.” The other cities include San Francisco, Portland, Cincinnati, New York, Washington, Montreal, Chicago, and Detroit. While each MADE is unique – some are online-only – the San Francisco location is a nonprofit, the one in Portland has a loyalty program for local merchants, Ferrell says the common thread is that “we are all looking to each other and looking at what’s innovative.”

MADE 240 Pine Ave., Long Beach. www.madelb.com Hours: Closed Monday.TuesdayThursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday, Noon-6 p.m.

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com

ABOVE LEFT: Handcrafted pots, bowls, and vases by local artisan. ABOVE RIGHT: Upcreek Paddle featuring their all-natural wood and bamboo hair and beard brushes and compact mirrors. BELOW: One of the local merchants John Majkut’s reclaimed Wood Oil Lamps on display with some photography and art books.

artist of the week

The beautifully angry poet How a Long Beach native and Vietnam veteran turns his PTSD into award-winning poetry

H

e is a beautifully angry poet. *** Imagine risking your life for America, but being incapable of celebrating its independence.

For 68-year-old Army veteran and award-winning poet Joseph W. Jacobson, that is reality; Vietnam will do that to a man.

“I don’t care to celebrate the Fourth of July,” Jacobson said.

Born and raised in Long Beach, Jacobson celebrated his 19th birthday on the first day of boot camp after joining the Army for one reason.

“I signed up because I didn’t want to get drafted,” Jacobson admits.

Little did he know that his experience in the Army would act as the foundation for his award-winning poetry 40 years later. His most notable poem, “Going Home” is a poetic portrayal of the love/ hate relationship he had struggled with after returning to civilian life from war.

by Blake Pinto

“How do I explain. Hiding under a table on the fourth of July? How? How do I explain that I desperately want . . . to go back, because home is so frightening. How, oh how, do I explain?”

After being deployed to the ongoing conflict in Vietnam and assigned to the 35th Combat Engineer Battalion, where he spent a year building infrastructure in support of infantry, he learned that tomorrow was never guaranteed, no matter what your job was.

“I was in rocket and mortar attacks . . . I was scared half to death,” Jacobson remembered as he described the first of many indirect attacks he would experience during the infamous Tet Offensive. “I was in another company, sound asleep, and a fella comes in hollering at me ‘we’re getting hit, we’re getting hit’ . . . it was either a rocket or a mortar, but I saw the flash come in from under the tent . . . That’s when I knew I could shoot somebody.”

He would never be the same.

For many veterans, from many wars, returning home can be a blessing and a curse. Like the slow and continuous tap of a chisel to rock, the constant fear of death for months on end eventually cracks many men; leaving invisible scars on a mind trained to instinctively react to distress. It is like your ‘fight

service and the fear of not knowing if he would see tomorrows sunrise.

He is a beautifully angry poet. *** His wife soon noticed a change in him as well.

“It is a way for him to express his emotions and feelings,” Janet said.

“He’s not very verbal but he can express himself when he writes.”

He is a beautifully angry poet. *** In 2015, Jacobson submitted “Going Home” for competition in the Long Beach Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

“Puff will have a different meaning, quiet nights will not be shattered with explosions or gunfire.”

photo by blake pinto

or flight’ response is always on. When Jacobson returned, he would learn the stress of Vietnam had followed him back to Long Beach, and would stay with him for life.

In 2014, the American Psychological Association released a study that was funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, showing that 11 percent or more than 200,000 Vietnam veterans continue to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Jacobson’s wife Janet, who he has been married to for 49 years, knew something had changed in the man she knew.

“He had been so full of life, hope and always wanted to be a soldier boy,” Janet fondly remembers. “When he came home he was frightened, depressed, cold and had a completely different personality and character.”

Jacobson lived in constant dread for more than 40 years, refusing to visit the V.A. because most veterans simply didn’t trust them.

“I was scared of the V.A.,” Jacobson says with a rare laugh.

He admits he was ashamed of possibly needing to ‘talk’ to anyone as well. Even if he had chosen to go sooner, there was little they could do – PTSD was not considered an actual mental disorder prior to 1980.

But times have changed.

Treatment for PTSD has come a long way, and not a moment too soon for

Jacobson, who roughly three years ago had a complete mental breakdown while attending church during a program for vets hosted by his son, and knew it was time to seek some type of treatment.

“In the church I was listening to the music and the sermon and…,” Jacobson stutters a bit as he recalled the frightful moment. “I just knew the VC were outside and they were coming.”

He finally decided to turn to the same organization he had shunned for more than four decades – the Long Beach VA – hoping to find answers and maybe even some form of a cure. He was quickly diagnosed.

“I walked into the doc’s office and hadn’t even sat down,” Jacobson recalled. “He says right away, ‘You have PTSD.’ ” Though there is no specific cure, with group therapy he was able to find an interesting and effective remedy: poetry.

“They called me the poet laureate,” Jacobson fondly remembers.

He hadn’t written a poem since 1975, but quickly discovered poetry was a release valve for every emotion he had compressed inside for so long – the anger at the helicopter pilots who refused to extract his men during a firefight because the situation was ‘too hot,’ the frustration from risking his life in a foreign country for a cause he did not know, feeling unappreciated for his www.theedgelb.com

Not only did his poem receive top honors in the regional contest, it would go on to win first place nationally, beating out thousands of entries.

Now, this award-winning poet has amassed a small collection of poems he hopes to someday have published and thinks they might be able to help others struggling with the same issues he was forced to grapple with for so long. He also paints and does woodworking as well, receiving second place for some of his entries in this year’s Veterans Creative Arts Festival that took place in Long Beach last month.

As Jacobson speaks, you can see the pain in his eyes from time to time as he recalls the 40-year battle with an adversary invisible to the public eye.

It’s something that will always be with him, no matter how many poems he writes. He admitted just a couple of years ago he would not have been able to speak on the topic without breaking down in tears. But, as with all veterans, he is strong and recognizes sometimes seeking help shows true strength, even if it is just talking to someone. Who knows where he would be now if he never took that first step.

“He will always be healing,” his wife Janet admits. “But it is a blessing from God and I am glad to be his wife for all that he has accomplished.”

Though the viciousness and horror of Vietnam will never leave him, through poetry he has managed to transform the appalling into the beautiful, and a life of fear into one of artistic boldness.

He is a beautifully angry poet.

| FEBRuary 17 - February 23, 2016 |

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