Uptown Gazette 5-11-12

VOL. 5 NO. 19 MAY 11, 2012

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Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, North Long Beach and Virginia Country Club Gazettes.com

Economists See City’s Recovery

BY ASHLEIGH OLDLAND EDITOR

Long Beach’s economy is recovering, but although gains are being made in most sectors, growth remains well below the historical average, concluded economists Thursday morning at California State University, Long Beach’s 18th Annual Regional Economic Forecast.

Dr. Joseph Magaddino, CSULB professor emeritus, and Dr. Lisa Grobar, professor of economics and director of the economic forecast, interpreted data on trade, housing, employment and income to compile the forecast and estimate growth rates for Long Beach and five counties; Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.

According to their findings, 2011 was the first year since 2007 that the region had positive annual job growth. The 0.6% growth last year was modest, but the economists predict that there will be more job growth in the coming years. Orange County, which went into the recession first, is ahead of other counties in economic recovery.

“The growth has not been robust,” Grobar said. “For 2012, we predict a 1.5% job growth gain…

By 2014, we will be adding jobs at just below the 3% line.”

—Gazette photo by Harry Saltzgaver

ECO-FRIENDLY RETROFIT. This home on Walnut Avenue near Long Beach Airport has a new, drought-tolerant front yard thanks in part to the lawn-to-garden turf replacement program.

Homes Cut Grass, Go Green EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Close to 600 homeowners have replaced grass with droughttolerant landscapes in the three years or so since the Long Beach Water Department began its lawn-to-garden turf replacement program.

In just more than a week, May 19, 30 of those landscapes will be featured in the first lawn-to-

garden tour. The citywide event is actually more of an open house than a tour — the homeowners and other experts will be available at their homes and at the Water Department administrative headquarters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that Saturday to talk about the transformations. People will be able to visit any or all of the yards on their own with a map provided after they register.

“I think this is a real unique opportunity,” said Matt Lyons, director of planning and conservation at the Water Department.

“You can discover how to get rid of a grass lawn and design a garden. There are a million combinations.”

Long Beach’s Water Department began aggressively promoting drought-resistant landscaping (Continued on Page 21)

Ninth District Tidies Up For May Spring Cleaning

BY STEPHANIE MINASIAN STAFF WRITER

INSIDE Y O U R UPTOWN

STORIES

Spring is in the air, which means there isn’t a more an opportune time of the year to clear out unwanted garbage on the streets and spruce up the surrounding neighborhoods.

In North Long Beach, Ninth District Councilman Steven Neal is asking residents to do just that — tidy up their neighborhoods by reporting instances of graffiti, potholes, sidewalk repairs, street sign replacement and dumped items throughout the month of May. “We’re asking people to get active in the community,” Neal said. “We want them to take a proactive approach and try to report as much graffiti, potholes — things of that nature — that need to be repaired.”

Neal also is assuring Ninth District residents that all of repairs and pickup of trash submitted will be looked at and taken care of by the Public Works Department.

The district will be giving away prizes to the individual and neighborhood association who reports the most instances or items.

“This is a good chance for everyone to feel some civic pride,” Neal added. “We have been seeing an increase in leadership among the neighborhoods, which is making a broader community stronger.”

Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for any unsightly and problematic issues along their streets and report them by either calling the Ninth District office, emailing officials (Continued on Page 21)

—Gazette photo by Jim Cayer

Jordan’s LaTroya Franklin churned out the Panthers’ only Moore League title at the track finals last week, edging Poly’s Ariana Washington in the 100-meter.

CITY BOWS OUT OF FIREWORKS .............. Page 3 WAGE PETITION DRIVE SUCCEEDS ............ Page 4 BIKE TRAFFIC SCHOOL POSSIBLE ............... Page 7 FILM FESTIVAL FOCUSES ON ISSUES .......... Page 11 MANY OPTIONS FOR MOTHER’S DAY ........ Page 16

FIND US ONLINE AT: WWW.GAZETTES.COM

(Continued on Page 21)

JORDAN CHAMP

COLU M N S

BY HARRY SALTZGAVER

Worst-hit industries, such as retail and construction, are starting to bounce back, Grobar said.

Most new jobs are expected to be created in four service sectors: education and health services; professional and business services; retail trade; and leisure and hospitality services.

“The bulk of job creation is in the private sector, and it is these four service sectors propelling growth this year,” Grobar explained.

Long Beach is expected to follow similar job growth trends, but the city is lagging behind the state and nation when it comes to job growth. Based on the most recent data from the first quarter of 2011, Magaddino said the city is about 13,000 jobs short of prerecession levels.

A good sign for job growth nationally, Magaddino said, is that productivity has increased to a point where employees are stretched as far as they can go and employers are going to be forced to hire more workers has demand and consumption continue to increase.

The housing market remained stagnant in 2011, but economists said there are some indicators that conditions will begin showing improvement.

“2011 was what we expected,

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A PINCH OF SALT ........................... Page 2 BUSINESS BEAT .............................. Page 20 CALENDAR .................................... Page 23 FOR GOOD CAUSE ......................... Page 22 SO MOVED ................................... Page 6

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Please recycle this newspaper.

PAGE 2 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

GAZETTE COMMENTARY

Living Wage Initiative Abuse Worsens In Bad Economy Won’t Protect Worker How do you keep good employees?

Pay them a fair wage, give them a good working environment, provide decent benefits — in other words, show them you value them.

How do you get companies to treat their workers fairly?

That’s been a tougher question over the years. The government has tried regulation. The workers have tried unionization. Now the advocates are trying mandates through the ballot box.

Specifically, we’re speaking of the Unite Here folks who have apparently gathered enough signatures to put a “living wage” initiative on the November ballot. The initiative would cover only hospitality workers at hotels. It once included the convention center and airport, but was made even more specific.

It’s important to remember that most of the folks advocating the living wage — and paying the petition circulators — are the same folks who have tried to the last several years to unionize the workers at some of Long Beach’s largest hotels. For one reason or another (organizers say owners have blocked their efforts, owners say their workers don’t want/ need the union), those efforts have failed.

So this effort, which would require a minimum salary of $13 an hour if approved by voters, could be seen as another way to fight for workers’ rights. That’s certainly how Unite Here will characterize the effort.

On the surface, it’s tough to argue against an effort that would appear to ask for only a reasonable safety net. After all, a minimum wage earner — $8 an hour in California — gets only $320 for a 40-hour week. That’s before taxes. Most of the time, that worker is going to end up qualifying for food stamps.

We want our neighbors to do better than that. Heck, it’s better for the community as a whole to have people do better than that.

Of course, that’s the reason there’s a minimum wage in the first place. There are employers more than willing to pay as little as possible no matter what the consequences, and especially in a down economy with double-digit unemployment, there’s almost always someone willing to do the work more cheaply.

But that minimum wage is set across the board — there are few,

if any, exceptions to the rule of paying at least that much. This particular ballot initiative is extremely narrow, aimed at a few employers.

If Long Beach were to decide as a city that everyone here was going to earn a higher minimum wage than that required by the state, it might cause business owners to go scurrying to Lakewood or Signal Hill, but at least it would be fair. In fact, that’s exactly what California has done — its $8 an hour minimum wage is 75¢ an hour more than the national minimum (and some would argue that has lost the state many businesses).

A look at the changing face of employment in light of the latest recession might offer a clue as to how an across-the-board minimum wage increase might work. For the most part, employers aren’t filling full-time, permanent positions as the economy recovers, according to the labor experts. Instead, they are hiring temporary workers.

Another new model is the permanent part-time worker. If you work 30 hours a week or less, those precious benefits aren’t required, and you are either without health insurance or paying through the nose (health care reform notwithstanding). That’s a huge part of the payroll — just ask the bean counters trying to balance the city budget.

It’s possible to go another route, however, and it doesn’t require employees with advanced degrees, either. Take a look at the Starbucks model, or even In-nOut Burger. They take essentially entry level jobs, provide a decent wage and buy-in, and in Starbucks’ case even benefits for less than 40 hours.

They keep the good employees.

Regarding the living wage initiative, we have to say that it is far too limited, or targeted, if you prefer. The ulterior motive is transparently clear — and less than honorable from our perspective.

We completely agree that there has to be a way to better the situation of those workers who continue to struggle to make ends meet. And we’re well aware that a total lack of regulation will do the workers no favors.

But in this case, the “solution” is far from a solution, and unfair to boot. This ballot initiative should be a non-starter.

BY TULYNN SMYLIE The need for services is still growing.

Gloria (not her real name) is in her late 40s, and is the mother of two children. She had been in a 12-year relationship with her batterer, who abused her physically and emotionally, often in front of her two children. Gloria’s 14-year-old son had a debilitating genetic condition that causes cognitive disabilities, respiratory problems and problems with fine motor coordination. Gloria’s 11year old daughter was traumatized by the abuse she witnessed her mother experience and was hospitalized after two attempted suicides.

After a particularly drunken and abusive incident, Gloria sought help from WomenShelter of Long Beach. She said that she had stayed with her batterer because her son’s care was very demanding and expensive, and her abuser provided the sole means of financial support. Gloria was afraid to go out on her own especially with the economy being so bad.

Gloria’s case is all too familiar to those who work in the domestic violence field. Despite reports in the media that the country is on the road to economic recovery, this improvement is taking its time reaching domestic violence victims and the organizations that serve them.

While calls to law enforcement related to domestic violence may be holding steady or even in a decline in some areas, anecdotal evidence indicate the need for services increasing. WomenShelter has seen a steady increase for the need for all services. The agency’s shelter is full year round

— in the past year, 570 victims and children were referred to other shelters because the shelter did not have space.

At the resource center, more people came in seeking therapy, peer support and case management, legal and medical advocacy. There is a ready explanation of a possible decline in calls to law enforcement involving domestic violence. Victims know that there are fewer jobs out there. If they call the police and their partner or spouse is arrested or spends several days in jail, this might have negative impacts on their spouse’s employment. So they don’t call.

The current economy creates a widening gap between needs and available services. Once-reliable public funding programs have had to reduce their grant-making budgets by dramatically high percentages. So while the need for services is increasing, the funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services is declining.

Government support remains critical for the programs and services that provide a safe haven from the abuse as well as help domestic violence victims regain their self esteem and obtain the financial means to leave their abusive situations. One such source of funding is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which is currently being debated for reauthorization in Congress.

Initially passed in 1994, VAWA

sought to protect women and girls from violence, sexual assault and stalking. It also set up a funding mechanism for programs that assisted these victims.

Because batterers often used fear of deportation to keep an undocumented victim in line, VAWA also provided a way for undocumented immigrants who were experiencing domestic violence to obtain legal residency status by assisting in the investigation and prosecution of criminal behavior.

This encouraged immigrant victims to come forward and report the abuse and be shielded from immediate deportation.

The current reauthorization bill recently passed the Senate, but not before a contentious vote.

Republicans had opposed Democrats’ version of the normally uncontroversial bill. GOP senators had sought to strike certain provisions seeking to extend or enhance VAWA protections to immigrants, Native Americans, and gays and lesbians.

Although VAWA’s reauthorization was passed by the Senate, it is now facing a difficult battle in the House. House Republicans are seeking defeat this bill by adding on amendments and changes that will essentially gut the bill’s protections.

As for Gloria, with assistance from WomenShelter staff, she moved out from her batterer’s home and into a small apartment with her two children. Women(Continued on Page 3)

Mother’s Day Means Mothering Editor’s Note: Lisa Ramelow is a familiar figure wherever a good cause is being promoted. She attended this year’s edition of Jewels of the Night for the Long Beach State Athletic Foundation, and purchased this space for a week. Here’s Lisa: When I was young, my most fervent desire was to become a mother one day. I loved little children. Their enthusiasm and joy were inspiring, and it came naturally to me to care for others.

I grew up in Belmont Shore, and when I was 12 I began babysitting every kid in the neighborhood. I started at 50¢ an hour, but that quickly moved up to $1 an hour — inflation, you know.

I used to stack my dollar bills in a pile and hide them in the top drawer of my dresser. I suppose I was a budding entrepreneur of sorts even then. But mostly, I loved the kids.

I came up with many creative and fun things for them to do. My mother Rita had been a great example for me. My mathematical side came into play as I kept track of just how often I had babysitting jobs — I remember my record was 37 nights in a row.

I went on to college, got a degree and a good job that I loved.

I worked there eight years before

finally realizing my dream of becoming a “real” mom. There is no feeling in the world that compares to looking down at that sweet little baby looking up at you, their little eyes saying, “I’m yours.”

I relished being a mom. The homework, making lunches, sewing Halloween costumes — believe me, that Ninja Turtle costume I made for my son when he was in kindergarten had more pattern pieces than anything I had ever sewn for myself! It was a constant go-round of PTA, school carnivals, scouting, sports, Mickey Mouse waffles and the many hours spent giving them every opportunity possible.

Oh, and don’t forget all the trips to the emergency room, for me mostly with my daughter. I know, why DID she put those 2 metal marbles from that game in her mouth, then swallow one of them? And there was the time she tried to do a flip in one of those birthday-party-jump houses

and bit her tongue in half down the middle. Ahhhh, those were the days.

I don’t know what was more challenging, getting them to sleep in their own beds, or dealing with them as teenagers. But I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything. There is no better job than motherhood, pure and simple.

And life certainly comes full circle. I am now blessed to be in a profession where I get to be a mother to many — to all of my employees as well as to the many patrons of my business. It is an environment of caring for others, which suits me perfectly.

I’ve been asked before if I would want to run for office some day, and the answer is a resounding “NO.” Upon hearing someone ask me that, my son said, “Mom, you would never like that.

You’re much better being the Godmother of Belmont Shore.”

Very true my son, very true. And I do like that title.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers everywhere. We deserve to celebrate a job well done, and the wonderful honor of being a Mom. xoxo Lisa Lisa Ramelow is the owner and operator of La Strada in Belmont Shore.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 3

Fireworks Shows In Business Hands

BY HARRY SALTZGAVER EXECUTIVE EDITOR

There will be fireworks in Long Beach this Independence Day, but for the first time the city will not be directly involved.

Long Beach’s Firefighters Association has pulled the plug on its longtime show at Veterans Memorial Stadium on the Long Beach City College campus. Fire Captain Rich Brandt said the show was losing too much money.

Downtown, the Sea Festival Association has coordinated fireworks with the Queen Mary for the last several years — since the city stopped directly financing the show in 2005. There was no show that year.

The Port of Long Beach stepped up to help the Sea Festival pay for fireworks, particularly last year in celebration of its 100th anniversary.

But the Sea Festival Association, a nonprofit, ceased operations last year, and the city is not participating, according to David Ashman, manager of the city’s Special Events and Filming Bureau. Tuesday, Steve Sheldon of the Queen Mary said the ship will be applying to put on a fireworks show on its own.

“We will definitely be having

fireworks,” said Sheldon, who is director of entertainment events at the ship. “We’ll have a full day of family-friendly activities on the ship, then at 9 p.m. there will be a fireworks show.

“It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without fireworks off the Queen Mary, would it?”

The firefighters also will be participating in an Independence Day fundraiser, although it will be on Independence Day Eve. Plans call for a barbecue at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club on Tuesday, July 3, to benefit the Long Beach Firefighters Memorial Association, the group that was directly responsible for the Veterans Stadium show.

That barbecue is part of a range of events, including fireworks, being planned by John Morris of McKenna’s on the Bay. Morris had attempted to have fireworks at Alamitos Bay last Fourth of July, but started too late.

“This is going to be along the same lines as the 9-11 event (last Sept. 11),” Morris said. “We’ll do it the night before the Fourth of July. That’s better for business, and better for the neighbors (most of whom won’t have to get up to go to work the next morning). The feedback we had for

Another View (Continued from Page 2)

Accent Positive

To The Editor, I loved Robert Williamson’s “Love Letter from Across Country” (May 3), and I agree completely!

This very week I have been escorting a worldly, sophisticated friend on a tour of Long Beach, and it was great fun to be proud of my hometown. Whiners, let’s recognize that no place is completely perfect. If you’ve lived elsewhere, as I have, you know that to be true.

Long Beach is beautiful and fun and friendly. We are lucky to live here!

Mary E. Barton, Ph.D. Long Beach

Shelter staff helped her obtain state disability funding for her son, and Gloria is now paid to be his caregiver. Her daughter attended and completed the children’s weekly support group and domestic violence educational program.

Laws such as VAWA help provide WomenShelter with funding so that the agency can continue its work with victims like Gloria and her children, especially during a time when the economy often prevents victims from leaving their batterers. WomenShelter is there to help victims find a way out of the abuse.

TuLynn Smylie is the executive director of WomenShelter of Long Beach.

te bra ay! e l Ce er’s D th Mo

that event was incredible, and we think we’ve put together a nice plan. There was no issue then, and I don’t think it will be an issue now.”

Morris said paperwork is being processed by Pyro Spectacular, with the permit application turned in to the Fire Department on Monday. He said he had just begun seeking sponsorships to raise the $50,000 for the show.

“So far, we’ve got McKenna’s, Bancap (the master lease holder for Alamitos Bay Landing), the yacht clubs, some other businesses,” Morris said.

Brandt, in his capacity as fire safety officer, said that his department would review the application in terms of safety and logistics before rendering a decision.

Ashman said that Virginia Country Club has put on a private fireworks show for the last several years, and that likely would take place again this year.

PAGE 4 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

Hotel Wage Petition Gains More Traction

BY JONATHAN VAN DYKE STAFF WRITER

A thorough canvassing process garnered more than 30,000 registered voters’ signatures in favor

of moving forward — to at least a vote — on improving the working environment and wages for hotel workers in the city.

Members of what is being

called the Long Beach Living Wage Coalition officially submitted signatures last Friday to the City Clerk’s office for an ordinance that would directly impact

wages in the hotel industry.

The ordinance would be concentrated on hotels that have more than 100 rooms. There are 16 in Long Beach. If the ordinance were passed, those hotels would have to pay all hotel workers, at minimum, $13 an hour. They also would have to offer at least five days of sick leave. Finally, there is language concerning hotel service charges being required to go to all working staff.

In order to move the ordinance forward, the canvassers had to get more than 10% of registered voters to sign the petitions — about 22,000 people. More than 30,000 signatures were gathered in about six weeks. The idea stems, mainly, from the Long Beach Coalition For Good Jobs And A Healthy Community — and they have partnered with multiple other groups to form the Living Wage Coalition.

“I’ve been on the coalition for about a year now, but this has been in the works for several years,” said Christine Petit, coalition steering committee member.

“We were trying to figure out what would be a good way to address this issue, and we’ve seen success in other cities with a living wage for hotel workers.”

The coalition has hosted multiple events around the city in order to talk about workers’ rights and the group’s disappointment with how many people work fulltime but remain below the federal poverty line. The California minimum wage is $8 an hour.

“It was trying to generate some really serious discussion and dialogue about development in Long Beach,” said Gary Hytrek, steering committee member and professor at California State University, Long Beach. “We really felt that going the petition route and getting it on the ballot in November was the best way to have that conversation.”

According Hytrek, the coalition estimates about 2,000 workers would be impacted if the

“We were trying to figure out what would be a good way to address this issue.”

Christine Petit ordinance were passed. He said many of these people are trying to support a family while being well under the approximately $24,000 federal poverty line for a family of four.

“I think people are generally concerned,” he said. “We’re finding a large number of people are working full time and they are not above the poverty line, which is not good.”

Petit said that hotel officials have previously said raising wages in such a way could decrease jobs in the hotels and impact the economy negatively.

However, coalition members pointed out that many of the workers live locally, and should their wages increase it is likely they would put at least some of that money back into the local economy and the move could decrease job turnover in the industry. As of May 4, the City Clerk’s Office has 30 working days to officially certify the petitions, should they check out. After that, the ordinance will go before the City Council and the council will have to choose between three options: Directly adopt the ordinance, ask for a study on the potential ordinance or call for a special election to have voters decide the ordinance’s fate.

A special election for the ordinance would take place on Nov. 6. There are no other city items during that election cycle, so the cost to the city for a November ballot would cost about $432,000.

There has not yet been a counter to the petitioners’ viewpoint from the hotels, although sources have said it is likely they will form some sort of coalition against the ordinance. Several hotel officials were called, but did not return calls before deadline.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 5

CSULB’s Alexander Named Top School President

BY STEPHANIE MINASIAN STAFF WRITER

California State University, Long Beach, President F. King Alexander has been recognized for the second time in three years as the Robert C. Maxson President of the Year, awarded by the California State Student Association (CSSA).

The official announcement was made Wednesday morning by the CSSA at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting at the CSU Chancellor’s office, in downtown Long Beach.

Every year, CSSA hands out the award to one CSU president based on his or her leadership and dedication to the organization’s mission of protecting and serving the interests of the university system’s 425,000 students.

CSSA was founded in 1959 and is recognized as a statewide student organization. This annual award is given to a president who assists CSSA in advocating for its statewide policy agenda.

“I am both honored and hum-

Suspect Surrenders After Linden Murder A man died Sunday from a gunshot wound downtown and his suspected murderer surrendered to police the same day.

The Long Beach Police Department was called at about noon on Sunday, May 6, to the 1100 block of Linden Avenue, which is near St. Mary Medical Center, to assist the Long Beach Fire Department with the gunshot victim, said Lisa Massacani, LBPD public information officer.

The 18-year-old Hispanic male victim of Long Beach was lying in the roadway. Officers found him unresponsive lying on the southbound lane. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body. Paramedics took him to the hospital, where he died shortly thereafter.

Later on Sunday, at about 9 p.m., the suspect — a 21-yearold male resident of Long Beach —surrendered himself to police.

He was placed under arrest for murder. Anyone with information on this incident can call LBPD Homicide detectives Mark McGuire or Greg Krabbe at 570-7244.

bled to receive this award from the CSU system’s student leadership,” Alexander said in a statement. “I can’t imagine receiving any greater honor than to be recognized by all CSU students. The California State Student Association has worked with me on many very important state and federal issues over the past year, and it has made a difference for our students.”

A representative at Sonoma State University nominated Alexander for the award, according to officials, and he was chosen from 10 other nominees.

“President Alexander is a popular university president, evidenced by the support he garners among all stakeholders of the CSULB campus community,” said CSSA Executive Director Miles Nevin. “But popularity is not what informed CSSA’s decision to recognize him this year.

The recognition comes after several years of President Alexander supporting CSSA’s efforts to participate in federal advocacy.

“From removing big banks from profiting off student loan defaults, to protecting the Pell grant program, CSSA has worked closely with President Alexander to effectively communicate with our Congress people and Department of Education leaders,” he continued. “At a time when local legislators are ignoring the needs of public college students, it is crucial that CSU students maintain a strong presence in Washington, DC. President Alexander has been pivotal in assisting us in maintaining such a presence.”

Alexander became CSULB’s sixth president in 2005, after serving as the president of Murray State University in Kentucky from 2001 to 2005.

He has done extensive research on university revenue patterns, and has advocated to improve federal higher education policy, which has contributed to the development of Congressional legislation advancing the “net tuition concept” in order to enhance public accountability, officials said.

—Photo courtesy CSULB

AN HONOR. CSULB President F. King Alexander receives the Robert C. Maxson President of the Year award from CSSA Executive Director Miles Nevin and CSSA President Greg Washington.

PAGE 6 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

In Memoriam

Council Supports Homeowner Rights

—Gazette photo by Harry Saltzgaver

FOR YOUR SERVICE. Mayor Bob Foster addresses the crowd Tuesday morning at the annual Long Beach Police and Fire Memorial Ceremony at the memorial outside City Hall. Long Beach has lost 28 police officers and 13 firefighters in the line of duty over the last century.

Long Beach’s City Council unanimously supported a Homeowners Bill of Rights Tuesday despite testimony from one of the city’s banker that it was unneeded and counter-productive.

Henry Walker of Farmers & Merchants Bank testified against the proposal, saying that the current legal process of foreclosure is working.

People signing mortgages understand what they are being obligated to do, he said.

The resolution urges the Federal Housing and Finance Agency and city banks to suspend foreclosures and evictions until there are reforms to protect homeowners.

In other business Tuesday, the council: • Pulled without explanation a request to consider changing the city’s election calendar to coincide with the state’s election cycle, with primaries in June and a

May 8 & 15, 2012 general election in November.

• Requested a study to see whether grant applications from various city departments could be consolidated or integrated, making it easier to compile an annual report of outcomes.

• Asked for an update on the city’s planned response to extraordinary emergency situations, either natural or national security emergencies.

• Authorized a lease amendment with The Bolder Group, Inc., to allow the company to continue operating fuel docks at the Alamitos Bay and Shoreline marinas.

• Conducted a closed session before the regular meeting to receive updates on negotiations with various city employee unions.

Next Week Tougher regulations for doorto-door salespeople and people leaving flyers is on the top of the agenda for the May 15 City Council meeting.

Council members Gerrie Schipske (Fifth) and Patrick O’Donnell (Fourth) brought this item to the council, saying they receive complaints that people are going door-to-door without

any type of identification, and that delivery of unwanted handbills causes litter in the area.

The proposed ordinance would create a “No Solicitation” registry providing penalties to those who ignore them, and require contact information on all printed material.

The ordinance would include a citation and/or fine for violation of either the no solicitation registry or No Solicitation and No Trespassing signs.

In other business next week, the council is scheduled to: • Authorize purchase of five replacement BMW police motorcycles from Long Beach BMW for up to $136,400.

• Issue a fitness provider permit for Melina Fitness operating an outdoor fitness program at Bluff Park.

• Accept a $1.5 million grant from the state Coastal Conservancy intended for the DeForest Park Wetlands Restoration project.

• Authorize amendments to agreements with Cerritos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill and Los Alamitos to provide services by the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 7

City Considers School Grand Prix Arsonist Sentenced To 33 Years After Bicycle Citations

By Jonathan Van Dyke STAFF WRITER

As Long Beach continues its march to become one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country, the importance of the rules of the road — for said cyclists — has been magnified.

For many other citation-type traffic offenses, specifically for California drivers, traffic school is an option rather than points against your license and a potential increase in insurance premiums. An agenda item Tuesday night sought to explore a traffic school for bicycle riders. The City Council unanimously approved the idea.

The authors of the agenda item were Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal, First District Councilman Robert Garcia and Third District Councilman Gary DeLong.

“I do think that while we are encouraging biking, it could be a great opportunity to educate cyclists on the rules of the road,” Lowenthal said. “There are numerous cyclists who don’t follow all the rules, like stopping at a stop sign. That can endanger others.”

Garcia noted that those issues often come back to a lack of education on the rules of the road.

“This is a great way to give education and give that to those who want to learn more,” he said.

The early premise of the potential traffic school would be that it would be available for minor traffic citations — citations that might still carry a fine as much

as $200 or more. City staff has been asked to look into the possibility of wiping away the strike or record penalty in regards to the citation, and maybe even much of the fine. In exchange for this, the cyclists would attend a traffic school specifically for bicycle rules of the road.

Alan Crawford, who is the city’s bike coordinator, said there are several other models around the state that Long Beach can look at. Marin County in northern California is an example.

There, a person may get a ticket that they hold onto, then go to traffic school, then bring proof of completion back to the court and get some sort of rebate or refund and the penalty taken off their record.

“I think from a public policy viewpoint, this is a very good idea,” City Prosecutor Doug Haubert said.

“Anything that educates the public, while keeping cases out of the court, makes a lot of sense.

Especially now, because they are closing courtrooms all over Los Angeles County.”

One of the hurdles might be due to a rule that the late Jenny Orpeza passed in the legislature, a law that states that city laws cannot be set up in opposition to laws of the state — this could be handled by going through the county court system. How much the system would cost also will have to be determined.

Staff is being asked to give the City Council a report on its findings on how a traffic school could be started and the cost in 30 days.

A serial arsonist was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison Tuesday after pleading no contest to a string of fires set in Long Beach during Grand Prix week last year.

According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, 27-year-old Joshua Ethan Thomas of Long Beach plead to five counts — including one count of arson of an inhabited dwelling and two counts each of attempted murder and arson of a structure or forest. Officials said Thomas also admitted a 2004 prior strike conviction for criminal threats out of Los Angeles County.

Officers from the Long Beach Police Department arrested Thomas in April of 2011 following a series of fires and burglaries. Two of the arsons were on April 16, 2011, at homes with people inside sleeping. During

one of the fires, a victim’s bed was set on fire while they were in the bed. No injuries were reported from the fires. Police officials also noted at the time that Thomas left messages taunting police at the crime scenes.

Arson investigators from the Long Beach Fire Department and

excluding Mezlan shoes & belts, Bacco Bucci Shoes, Zanella Dress Slacks , reyn spooner, Custom Tailoring, Alterations, and Tommy Bahama

LBPD officers were responsible for the investigation.

Deputy District Attorney Sean Carney from the Target Crimes Division prosecuted the case.

Long Beach Superior Court Judge Charles Sheldon sentenced Thomas to 33 years, eight months in state prison.

PAGE 8 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

Grills Fired Up For Queen Mary’s BBQ Championship

BY JONATHAN VAN DYKE STAFF WRITER

The Queen Mary staff wants you to follow your nose as the sweet smells of barbecue waft from the ship this weekend.

Starting today, Friday, barbecue pitmasters will take over the Queen Mary’s events park, readying themselves for the West Coast BBQ Championship from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The results,

on the grill and in the air, should be mouth watering, said Steven Sheldon, Queen Mary director of entertainment events.

“This type of event has been produced all over the country, and being that we are in the middle of LA and Orange County and that Long Beach has a huge population itself with foodies nearby, we figured this would be a great opportunity,” he said.

The Queen Mary staff especially noted how successful other food events in Long Beach have been, like Lunch Truck It, Belmont Shore’s Stroll and Savor and the Taste of Downtown series.

“It’s really the first event (this summer) that we are producing in the events park,” Sheldon said.

“It’s one of the only waterfront venues in Southern California, so

it’s great that the weather is coming around for us.”

The West Coast BBQ Championship will bring in 30 barbecue experts who will make their best dishes of smoked and grilled meats. The proceedings will be guided through the laws laid down by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Pitmasters will include Neil Strawder (from the critically acclaimed Bigmista’s Barbecue), The Rib Doctor, Pig Pusher and Dead Pig Walking.

“The teams will be serving 2-ounce sample tastings,” Sheldon said. “They set up on Friday and it is a slow cook barbecue competition. They start that afternoon so they can be ready to serve as of 11 a.m. on Saturday.”

There will be about 30 official judges for the competition. Each attendee also will receive a vote for the people’s choice. At the end of the day, winners will be announced for both categories.

Attendees are encouraged to come early because samples are given out on a first-come-firstserve basis. With their $10 admission ticket, they get one free 2-ounce sample. Additional sample tickets can be bought at $2 a piece.

In addition to the samples, there will be a number of food vendors serving food like roasted corn, desserts and larger barbecue portions.

There will be a Jack Daniels Lounge, which will serve liquor drinks and craft beers. Live bands will be playing throughout the day, mainly of the indie rock variety: The Shoemaker Brothers, The Flutterbies, Maureen & The Mercury 5 and Them Novus.

A children’s area will include bounce houses, a maze, an obstacle course and a rock-climbing wall.

For more, visit www.WestCoastBBQClassic.com.

East Village Second Saturday Artwork The Second Saturday Art Walk runs from 6 to 10 p.m. this Saturday, May 12, in the East Village on Linden Avenue between First Street and Broadway.

Linden is closed to traffic and there will be live music, other

artistic performances and many galleries will be open for viewing.

New at the Art Walk is a fashion show from 7:30 to 8 p.m.

For more information on the walk, visit www.artwalk.com.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 9

PACE Student Refuses To Let Cancer Stop Him

BY ASHLEIGH OLDLAND

him say that what makes him so inspirational to others is his positive attitude toward life; and, if you ask Fisk why he was chosen again this year for the Most In-

EDITOR

Jonathan Fisk is the kind of student every teacher hopes for.

“First of all, he (Fisk) is a sweet, kind kid with a lot of positive energy,” said Poly High School teacher Michelle Aberle, who also serves as Poly’s PACE program facilitator. “Second, he is obviously extremely, extremely bright and one of our most talented — he is a no-excuse kind of kid.”

The modest 18-year-old Poly High School senior rarely misses class and always completes his assignments thoroughly, said Aberle, who has been Fisk’s teacher for honors chemistry and oversees his involvement in Poly’s biomedical research program.

“He is confident, but not competitive,” Aberle said. “He is always explaining things to other students in class and helping them understand the material better.”

Poly High School’s model student — who also is the co-captain of the tennis team, actively participates in Key Club and is a member of the math team at Poly while balancing a 4.0 grand point average (4.58 weighted) — is graduating this June.

Before the Long Beach native tosses his graduation cap, he has already been accepted into several prestigious schools including Berkeley, Fordham, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UCLA, the University of Edinburgh and USC. His acceptance into those schools, as well as several major scholarship offers, has made the choice more difficult, Fisk said, but he is leaning toward going to Stanford University this fall to follow his longtime desire for a career in medicine. Fisk said he plans to study biomedical engineering.

“Jonathan would tell us, before he truly knew what he meant, that he wanted to be a ‘biomolecular geneticist,’” Fisk’s parents, Jim and Diana Fisk said. “In elementary school, he was given special permission from the school district to dissect a frog for his science project, and he approached

JONATHAN FISK

this as a research scientist instead of a giggly school kid.”

Fisk’s parents said their son has always been exceptionally bright and has always been energized by academic achievement. They said their son is proactive and always stays ahead of deadlines.

“More often than not, Diana and I would suggest to Jonathan that maybe he might take a break from studying, versus pleading for him to finish — or start — his homework,” Jim Fisk said. “He has been fortunate… It has been the rule versus the exception that his teachers have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. He is 100% a product of Long Beach’s first-rate public school system.”

When Fisk was diagnosed with cancer at age 13, he turned the experience into something positive. His time in the hospital only served to reinforce his resolve to pursue a career in medicine. He went through chemotherapy and overcame the cancer, although he visits the doctor regularly to check for a possible relapse.

“I was lucky,” Fisk said. “I got my diagnosis right at the end of the school year, so I didn’t have to miss a lot of class… And it was a good learning opportunity for me to talk to doctors and ask questions. I had to take shots during treatment, and I gave them to myself. I tried to make it as fun as it could be and always stay positive.”

Fisk, who looks every bit like a “cool” teenager with a surferstyle tribal pendant necklace and shaggy hair, has twice been named one of Long Beach Unified School District’s Most Inspiring Students. Those who know

spiring Student honor, he’ll simply shrug his shoulders and smile.

Even though he hasn’t committed to the college of his choice, yet, Fisk said he’s looking for-

ward to next fall and is ready for some new academic challenges.

“I love high school,” he said.

“But I’m ready to be done. I’m excited for college.”

PAGE 10 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

Khmer Girls In Action Rally For Youth Wellness

BY STEPHANIE MINASIAN STAFF WRITER

To further empower the community, Khmer Girls in Action (KGA) is hosting its eighth annual Yellow Lounge, “Youth at the C.O.R.E. Fighting for Wellness” event to promote health and healing.

The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, at 607 Third St. KGA is known for focusing on leadership development for Cambodian high school girls, who learn how to channel their wellbeing in a holistic manner, with

one of the priorities of KGA is to develop sisterhood and healthy relationships.

Each year, girls can move up into the program, and receive community organizing skills, which allow them to head out into the city to evoke the positive changes they wish to see manifest. One of those goals includes the establishment of wellness centers on the campuses of three Long Beach schools.

“Friday’s event is tied to our current wellness campaign,” said KGA Program Coordinator Justine Calma. “We want to get wellness centers at Poly, Cabrillo and

Jordan high schools to focus on mental, reproductive and general heath care.”

While still early in its campaign to establish on-campus wellness centers for youth, KGA has garnered more than 1,800 signatures on a petition for the cause, Calma said.

“We’re talking about physical, emotional, mental wellness so it’s holistic,” she added. “We want to have these centers at the schools because we want them to achieve academically. If their mental, physical and emotional needs aren’t met, it impacts their ability to reach academic success.”

—Photo courtesy of KGA

FIGHTING FOR WELLNESS. Khmer Girls in Action (KGA) are working to advocate for wellness centers for youth on the campuses of three Long Beach high schools.

The Yellow Lounge “Youth at the C.O.R.E. Fighting for Wellness” event will include art demonstrations and live performances from youth and community members, who will share their stories through visual art, music, dance, theater and spoken word performances.

Other performances will include youth rappers the Shining Sons, Recon Dance Crew, Oh Ok Crew and a film screening of “My Asian America,” which is produced and directed by Anida Yoeu.

“It will be a fun event,” Calma said. “It will be a place for them to express themselves and tell their stories. We also will have an

art gallery showcasing work from different youth in Long Beach who submitted some art.”

Through recent surveys and extensive research, KGA discovered that nearly 55% of youth in Long Beach are living in poverty, which forces them to live unhealthy, stressful lives that leads to issues related to mental health.

“We want to highlight what impacts the students’ wellness and what resources they need to help support it,” Calma said.

The Yellow Lounge “Youth at the C.O.R.E. Fighting for Wellness” event is free to the public.

For more information about KGA and its programs, visit www. kgalb.org.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 11

UNDER THE SEA

—Gazette photo by Geronimo Quitoriano

Scott Cassell of Underwater Voyager Project shows off his submarine during the Scuba Show 2012 last Sunday.

Film Festival Selections Tackle World Issues

By Jonathan Van Dyke STAFF WRITER

The film medium is still a perfect place to encourage discussion, and the Hope and Freedom Film Festival will be a great conduit, organizers say.

This will be the third year of the festival, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, at the Art Theatre. The event is put on by students and alumni of California State University, Long Beach, to foster discussion, dialogue and organization for making the world a better place to live, said Kevin Johnson, executive director.

“It was established to spotlight these films and to engage filmmakers with the community to talk about issues that are important,” he said. “We want you not to just face the movie screen alone when being presented these issues.”

The first year drew about 250 attendees and the second year grew significantly with about 600 in attendance. Johnson said he and fellow organizers are hopeful for a third year of growth that could continue to give the young festival some notoriety.

There will be at least nine films shown throughout the day. They will be as short as 3 minutes or as long as about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The films will be: “Bringing King to China,” “Erasing Hate,” “#WHILEWEWATCH,” “Connected,” “From the Ground Up,” “The Movement: One Man Joins an Uprising,” “End/Beginning,” “Good Things Are Happening All the Time” and “The End of the World.”

“I think that one of things, especially with documentaries, is they incorporate audio/visual in a way that may not be possible in other mediums,” Johnson said.

“This event brings together people to not only witness the mov-

WHAT: Hope and Freedom Film Festival WHEN: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 12 WHERE: Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St. COST: Free ies and films by themselves, but in the company of other people — in an environment where they engage with people who are behind the films.”

There will be a director or subject from just about every film that will be shown, he said.

One of the main speakers will be Dr. Sam Keo, who is a clinical psychologist and a refugee of Cambodia. He has worked in his field, many times dealing with the issues of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.

The documentary films run the gamut of different topics. “Bringing King to China” focuses on people trying to bring the message of Martin Luther King Jr. to China and what impact and reception that has. Another film, “Erasing Hate,” is described as a film that follows violent skinhead Byron Widner, who begins a series of erasing his racist tattoos — a journey of outward and inward change, Johnson said.

“To me, I think these films are trying to ask questions, raise awareness or bring light to some of these issues,” he said. “They want to make the world a better place.”

The event starts with the Southern California Student Congress, which brings in selected high school and college students from around the country to debate a topics. The debate runs until noon, and then the films will begin. For more information, visit www.HopeAndFreedomFilmFestival.org.

Nursery Hosts Tea For Tots Luncheon The Long Beach Day Nursery will host its 100th Anniversary Tea for Tots Luncheon and Silent Auction beginning at 11 a.m. this Saturday, May 12, at Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 Bixby Hill Rd. The event begins with a silent auction. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and there will be a performance by the Long Beach Day Nursery Children’s Choir at 1:30 p.m. Guided tours of the

grounds will be offered from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $100 and reservations are required. Call 591-0591.

The Long Beach Day Nursery is the oldest continuously licensed private school welfare agency in California.

It offers childcare from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 12 months a year.

For more information, go to www.lbdn.org.

PAGE 12 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

Downtown YMCA Prepares For Mid-June Closure

BY HARRY SALTZGAVER EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Long Beach’s YMCA is leaving downtown, closing its branch at 225 E. Sixth St. That closure is part of a larger consolidation, according to a release from Jason Hagensick, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. The Los Cerritos YMCA at 15530 Woodruff in Bellflower will be turned into a dedicated childcare center (a service it already provides) and the staffs of the Los Altos and Fairfield Ys will be merged.

The Weingart Lakewood Y, at

5835 E. Carson St., will continue operation as it is today.

“We will continue to service the downtown area with our community development programs, which are among the best around,” Hagensick said Wednesday. “We just had to take the opportunity to strengthen our financial situation overall. We have been losing an average of $75,000 a year on the downtown facility since it opened in 1998.”

In fact, Hagensick said, the Greater Long Beach Y has operated at a loss for more than 30 years in downtown Long Beach.

—Gazette photo by Harry Saltzgaver

SHUTTING IT DOWN. The downtown YMCA, located at 225 E. Sixth St., will be closing its doors during the middle of next month.

In 1980, the YMCA opened a 44,000-square-foot facility on Long Beach Boulevard between

Sixth and Seventh streets that included a swimming pool, basketball courts and racquetball courts in addition to fitness and meeting rooms.

That facility never broke even, and in 1998, the board decided to close and sell it. They purchased the Sixth Street property, with a building of less than 9,000 square feet, as a replacement.

The current building includes a health and wellness center as well as meeting rooms. But membership has continued to decline, and the board decided it could continue to fulfill its mission of serving youth with the community outreach program.

“We have every hope and intent to get back into the downtown area with a health and wellness component when we can,” Hagensick said. “We would like to partner with a development, residential or perhaps healthcare…

We are recognized nationally as having the single most successful Youth Institute in the country right here in downtown Long Beach. We are very mission rich.

But we have a small membership.”

In north Long Beach, the Fairfield YMCA at Atlantic Avenue

and Del Amo Boulevard will begin sharing management staff with the Los Altos Y at 1720 Bellflower Blvd. Both of those facilities have pools and wellness centers.

The Fairfield Y property is leased from the city, and acts as a site for some city programs. It has a small outdoor pool as well as a fitness center.

The Los Cerritos YMCA, at 15530 Woodruff Ave. in Bellflower, is similar to the Downtown Y in size and also does not have a pool. Turning it into a dedicated childcare center will continue to serve a need in the area, Hagensick said.

“The reality is, these facilities were built for a YMCA model of the 1960s,” Hagensick said.

“Today, a small YMCA is 30,000 square feet. These facilities are less than 9,000 square feet.

The Downtown Y will close its doors on June 15, enabling it to complete the school year and its partnership with Renaissance High School to provide a physical fitness facility. The building will go up for sale and could be available for a long-term lease, Hagensick said.

Members of the Downtown Y will be able to transfer memberships to the Fairfield or other YMCA facilities. For details, members should contact membership director Ilce Meza at 4230491.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 13

LBPD Officer Rearrested Rehabilitation Projects Starts On Wardlow Road For More Sex Offenses The Long Beach Police Department rearrested one of its own Wednesday, adding additional charges to initial child pornography concerns.

Officer Noe Yanez was first arrested on April 19 for possession of child pornography. He had been with the LBPD for nine years, officials said.

At some point in his employment with the LBPD, he came in contact with a minor and began contacting the victim through text messages, and then solicited inappropriate photographs of the victim. In April, the victim notified school officials and an arrest was made and an investigation began. Yanez was suspended without pay. He posted bond on April 20, but remained on suspension.

After an extensive investigation following his arrest, police rearrested Yanez on Wednesday, May 9. He was booked on multiple counts of sexually based offenses, said Lisa Massacani, LBPD public information officer.

As the investigation pro-

gressed, investigators said they found additional victims who were located and interviewed. On May 7, the Los Angeles County Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division filed multiple counts against Yanez. Additional offenses included arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes.

He currently is being held at the Los Angeles County Men’s Jail on $951,000 bail. The investigation remains ongoing.

“Not only are the actions of this officer a violation of the law, they are a violation of the community’s trust, and a violation of the principles of this department,” Chief Jim McDonnell stated at the time of the first arrest. “The men and women of this Department take great pride in the good work they do everyday with the community, and we will not allow the actions of this one officer to compromise that relationship.”

Anyone with information on this case can contact the LBPD Sex Crimes Detail Tip Line at 570-7878. Anonymous tips can be left through www.tipsoft.com.

Domestic Dispute Blamed For Death A Long Beach man has been arrested in Compton and charged with the murder of his live-in girlfriend in north Long Beach, Long Beach Police officials said Wednesday afternoon.

Police were called at about 6 p.m. Tuesday to a residential complex in the 100 block of Ellis Street to check on the wellbeing of a woman. Once officers entered the home the found the body of an adult female who had sustained obvious injuries to her upper body.

Paramedics were called, and made the determination that the woman was dead. The victim has been identified only as a 51-yearold female, pending notification of next of kin.

Homicide detectives began an investigation Tuesday night and on Wednesday located the victim’s boyfriend, a 49-year-old Long Beach resident, in Comp-

ton, where he was arrested. He also is not being identified at this time.

Detectives said the victim and suspect both lived at the Ellis Street location, and the woman had not been seen since Monday.

According to the police report, a domestic dispute was the motive for the incident.

The man is being held without bail at the Long Beach City Jail.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detectives Mark McGuire and Greg Krabe at 570-7244. Anonymous tips also may be submitted via text or at www.tipsoft.com.

A pavement rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin this week on Wardlow Road between Long Beach Boulevard and Cherry Avenue.

The work will include resurfacing the pavement; replacing dam-

aged curbs and gutters, driveways and sidewalks; reconstructing areas of deteriorated pavement; installing pavement markers, bus pads, markings, traffic striping, signs and curb paint; and trimming trees and shaving roots.

Money for the $1,642,078 project will come primarily from Proposition C funds. Completion is scheduled for the end of July.

Lane closures will be required.

While the roads will stay open, drivers can expect some delays.

PAGE 14 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

Rossmoor Pastries Celebrates 50th

BY ASHLEIGH OLDLAND EDITOR

When Charles Feder says he is making a batch, he’s talking about baking a couple thousand cupcakes at a time.

Feder, 76, the owner of Rossmoor Pastries in Signal Hill, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the business, where he and his partner, Janice Ahlgren, work with a staff of nearly 100 employees to produce a variety of baked treats in addition to the company’s signature birthday and wedding cakes.

Feder and Ahlgren weren’t the original owners of Rossmoor Pastries — since purchasing the business in 1988, they have grown the business from a neighborhood corner bakery to a mass-production bakery that produces more than 300 cakes a week, plus 70 wedding cakes every weekend.

“50 years ago, Phil LoCasto was a young kid in his 20s visiting California when he saw a sign that said: ‘Future Home Of Rossmoor Center,’” Feder explained.

“He became the owner of the bakery in that shopping center and

the neighborhood grew around that 1,200-square-foot store (at Seal Beach Boulevard and St. Cloud Drive).”

When Feder and Ahlgren took over the business in 1988, Feder was the sole baker for the business and the main tool of his trade was an ice cream scooper he used to make cookies.

Today, the 2,500-square-foot bakery includes four industrialsize ovens, a warehouse of ingredients, massive walk-in refrigerators and freezers and machines (that perform functions such as shrink wrapping, cake cutting, mixing and dough rolling) the size of the average American’s living room.

Rossmoor Pastries boasts a natural gas pump and fleet of 14 delivery trucks — and Feder’s personal car — that operate using the alternative fuel. Feder said it saves money at the pump and using the carpool lane saves time and money when the vans are making deliveries.

The business has a list of clients including Staples Center,

—Gazette photo by Ashleigh Oldland

CAKE KING. Businessman Charles Feder poses next to one of his wedding cake displays at Rossmoor Pastries.

Dodger Stadium, Anaheim Stadium, The Home Depot Center and Disneyland Resort. Additionally, Rossmoor’s birthday cakes have been given to celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Nicholson and Hugh Heffner, among others.

Feder walks around the kitchen effortlessly, knowledgeable about each and every piece of equipment — he knows how to work it all and has a love and knack for knowing the inner workings and history of each contraption. A favorite red mixer made in 1944, which weighs more than a ton, is in working condition and Feder vows he’ll never let it go.

He has worked in the food industry all his life, and although he tried to retire once, Feder said he couldn’t stay out of the working world. He said he loves being a baker and being a part of the community.

“Customers here have been born and raised with Rossmoor Pastries,” he explained. “We’re there for weddings, first birthdays, anniversaries… Our cakes become part of family traditions.”

Feder said he has had customers come from as far as New York City to pick up one of Rossmoor’s cakes for nostalgia. The business also has some customers who stop by every day for a fresh baked breakfast and coffee, and Feder said he enjoys naming new cupcakes after regular customers (such as the Terry-licious and Suzy-Q cupcakes).

A typical day at the bakery is non-stop. The business is open 24 hours behind the scenes as cake decorators are hard at work on the bakery’s signature chocolate curls, and silk-screen images are pressed onto sugar to put the family dog’s face on a cake that reads: “I’m 2 today. Thanks for taking care of me. —Baxter.”

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 15

Abused Military Veteran Tells Story Through Poems

BY STEPHANIE MINASIAN STAFF WRITER

It was hard for Susan Nalicat to work up the courage to publish her first book, “I Met Them Briefly,” but after some time, she finally worked up the strength to release the private works of biographical poetry.

Nalicat, a Signal Hill resident, said that for years she feared what her family would think of the deeply personal poems, which are written in narrative form, but finally decided to publish the work that helped her heal after her stint in the U.S. Army.

“It’s a narrative poem and it tells a lot about my experiences inside and out of the military,”

Nalicat said. “I wanted to just say how I feel. It took so long to write it because I didn’t want to hear what people would say. It deals with some issues, like sexual abuse.”

Nalicat grew up in the South Bay area and has had a keen interest in writing since she worked on the staff of her high school yearbook committee.

In 1980, at 22 years old, she decided to join the Army. She signed on to four years of active duty, and later did six years in the reserves.

“I had intended to make it my career,” she said. “I met a lot of great people in the military.”

After being sexually assaulted

by an acquaintance during active duty, Nalicat decided to move on with her life, but never once doubted the integrity and good service the military does.

She began writing as an outlet to heal herself and vent the negative feelings she kept inside, she said.

“Everyone always is quick to blame the entire military,” she added. “But it wasn’t — I met a lot of good people. It was just one individual.”

She moved on stronger and resilient, and now works in the field of mental health, assisting others, while always writing down her thoughts and feelings into poems to help her get through the tough

Symphony POPS! Recreates Garland Concert A performance of the “Judy Garland 50th Anniversary Carnegie Hall Concert” is the next presentation by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra POPS! at 8 p.m. this Saturday, May 12, at the

Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

Karen Mason stars in this songfor-song recreation of Garland’s concert from 1961, which included hit songs such as “Come Rain

MOLAA Hosts Tango Fundraiser The Milonga (a place where tango is danced) fundraiser for the Museum of Latin American Art begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at MoLAA, 628 Alamitos Ave. The evening begins with cocktails and a silent auction followed by “The Wave,” a live art auction, a sit-down dinner in the sculpture garden and an after party.

The Argentinean theme is in honor of the museum’s current exhibition of Argentinean painter Esteban Lisa.

Entertainment will be provided

by Mexican baritone Gregorio

Gonzalez and the Otero Dance Company.

Tickets are $250. Call 2154141 or send an email to gadams@molaa.org.

Sponsors of the event are: Robert Gumbiner Foundation, Sayago & Pardon, Phil Appleby & Pat Paris, California State University Los Angeles, California State University, Office of the Chancellor, Cuba Tours and Travel, Downtown Long Beach Associates, Rico & Michelle Garcia, Lidia & Eduardo Rubenstein, Salt Fine Art and Thank Goodness It’s Sofia.

or Come Shine,” and “Over the Rainbow.” Michael Berkowitz is the guest conductor. Tickets start at $21 and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Call 4363203 or visit www.lbso.org.

days. Each poem speaks of a different life event or experience.

One of the poems in the book, “Diversity,” chronicles the importance of mixing ideas — both old and new, Nalicat explained.

“If you don’t mix old and new together, then your life is going to be standing still,” she said.

While some of the poetry reflects what she’s seen during her time in active duty, other works in

the book discuss everyday sights and experiences.

“I write about things out there that are looked upon negatively,” Nalicat said. “It’s not just a poem — it’s a feeling. For some, writing poetry is so much harder because you have a limited amount of space to portray everything you want to say in just a few sentences.”

Find the book on Amazon.com.

PAGE 16 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day Events Take Place All Across City

BY KURT A. EICHSTEADT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 13) is almost here, so time is running out to make plans to celebrate with Mom on her special day. Here’s a list of activities and dining out options. Unless otherwise indicated, everything takes place on May 13.

In honor of Mother’s Day, all during May mothers will be giv-

en a free entrée with any regular priced entrée at the Pizza Place, 1431 E. Broadway. The phone number 432-6000.

Gondola Getaways offers its rides through the canals of Naples. Call 433-9595 or visit www. gondo.net.

Adult ladies only are invited to the Mother & Daughter Tea from 3 to 8 p.m. today (Friday) at the Health Enhancement Center at

St. Mary Medical Center, 1055 Linden Ave. Reservations are required. Call (888) 478-6279.

Salon Medusa is offering two special Mother’s Day photo session packages on today and Saturday, May 12, each including a photo session. The Mother’s Day Special ($99) is a haircut, style and make-up application and the Mother’s Day of Beauty ($199) is a haircut/style, manicure/pedi-

cure, facial and make-up application. Call 427-7977 for an appointment. Salon Medusa is at 4232 Atlantic Ave. Utopia offers its Mother’s Day special dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. tonight and Saturday, May 12, at 445 E. First St. For $42, diners can select any Tapas, salad and entrée and there will be complimentary desserts. The prepaid online price is $35; otherwise it’s $42. Call 432-6888 or visit www. utopiarestaurant.net.

The Yard House adds some special Mother’s Day items on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13: Pan Roasted Halibut, Lobster Mac & Cheese and Grilled Rib Eye. The Yard House is in Shoreline Village downtown.

Call 628-0455.

All mothers attending the 2:30 p.m. Sunday performance of “Mrs. Smart’s Spectacular Circus” at the Found Theatre will receive a complimentary drink and popcorn. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for those younger than 12. The Found is at 599 Long Beach Blvd. Call 433-3363 or visit www.foundtheatre.org.

Before or after the Mother’s Day meal, enjoy a Mother’s Day Poetry Reading at 2 p.m. at Gatsby Books, 5535 E. Spring St. Long Beach poets will be featured. For more information, call 208-5862 or visit www.gatsbybooks.com.

A walk to celebrate Mother’s Day begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Ocean Boulevard

and Bay Shore. It’s sponsored

by Fitness 4 All, which stages runs throughout the year. It’s a 5K/10K Walk/Run for the whole family. For more information, call 481-2995 or go to Fitness 4 All on Facebook.

Professional musicians will perform in the Mother’s Day Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Bay Shore Church, 5100 E. Toledo.

The concert will include opera, light opera, musical theater and jazz favorites. Free general admission tickets will be at the door, or those attending can reserve seats by emailing full names to Justin@JustinRudd.com. The concert is presented by the Community Action Team with money raised at the Long Beach Turkey Trot.

Admission to the exhibits is included for brunch at the Aquarium of the Pacific from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The price is $42 for adults and $32 for ages 3-11 with discounts for members. The aquarium is at 100 Aquarium Way and their phone number is 590-3100.

Mother’s Day at Buster’s Beach House begins with breakfast starting at 9 a.m. and the full menu is available starting at 11 a.m. For reservations, call 5989431. Buster’s is at 168 N. Marina Dr. Christy’s, 3937 Broadway, will open early on Mother’s Day and have brunch, prime rib, softshell crab and endless Mimosas for Mom. They’ll also be serv(Continued on Page 17)

MOTHER’S DAY Mothers (Continued from Page 16)

ing their regular menu. Call 4331171.

Long Beach Kid’s Connection presents Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday at Mother’s Beach. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 3-16. It’s a benefit for homeless children and children in need.

Call 233-4338 or visit www.lbkidsconnection.org.

L’Opera will open early (at 11 a.m.) offering its lunch and the regular menu as well. L’Opera is at 101 Pine Ave. Call 491-0066.

Mother’s Day Brunch, accompanied by live music, will be served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Claire’s at the Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd. It’s $49.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 10 and younger with discounts for members. Reservations are required; call 4392119, ext. 270.

Don the Beachcomber features a bottomless Champagne Brunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live Polynesian shows. For reservations at Don the Beachcomber, 16278 PCH in Huntington Beach, call 592-1321.

Fuego at Hotel Maya, on the water at 700 Queensway Dr., will serve a special Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be an omelet station, a Classic Cheeses and Charcuterie Station, roasted vegetables, a Seafood Station with shrimp, Mussels Escabeche, oysters and more, hot entrees and a Carving Station as well as special desserts.

Included are sparkling wine, cider and other beverages. The brunch is $57 for adults and $28.50 for ages 5-11. Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling 481-3910.

B aubles J ewelry

…not for the faint of heart

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 17

The Ticket to Ride Beatles Tribute provides the music for the brunch starting at 10:30 a.m. at Kobe Steakhouse and Lounge at 3001 Old Ranch Rd. in Seal Beach. For reservations, call 5969969.

A special Mother’s Day menu will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lasher’s, 3441 E. Broadway. For reservations, call 4330153.

Treat Mom to Champagne Brunch or Dinner in the Garden Terrace Café at the Marriott Long Beach, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is $39.95 for adults, $32.95 for seniors and $18.95 for ages 4-11. Dinner is from 4 to 7 p.m. and is $32.95, $26.95 and $16.95. For reservations, call 425-5210.

The New Rick and Brian’s Café has free Champagne and entrée choices of Lamb Chops, Baked Ham or Lemon Crusted Salmon for $14.99. Rick and Brian’s is at 632 Redondo Ave. Call 433-9241.

Parker’s Lighthouse has a Mother’s Day Brunch and the regular upscale dining in the Queensview Steakhouse. Brunch (9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) includes hot and cold buffet, oyster and shrimp cocktail bar, pastries, desserts and more with unlimited Champagne and Mimosas. It’s $42 for adults and $21 for ages 6 to 12. Reservations are recommended. Reservations are required at the steakhouse, which will open at 5 p.m.

Call 432-6500. Parker’s Lighthouse is at 435 Shoreline Dr. A Champagne brunch will be served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there will be dinner specials starting at 2:30 p.m. (including baked ham and yams) at the Prospector, 2400 E. Seventh St. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are

available at 438-3839.

Sevilla, 140 Pine Ave., has a brunch (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and a Flamenco Dinner Show (5 p.m.)

Brunch is $34.95 for adults and $14.95 for children. The dinner show is $39.50. For reservations, call 495-1111.

The Sky Room has a special three-course brunch with entrée choices including Crab Eggs Benedict, Strawberry Stuffed French Toast and more, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $45.

Then for dinner, from 4:30 to 9 p.m., it’s a four-course special

menu with entrée choices of Sage Risotto, Fresh Diver Scallops, Shrimp Pasta or Filet Mignon including Champagne for Mom. Dinner is $59. The Sky Room is at 40 S. Locust, just off Ocean Boulevard on top the Historic Breakers. For reservations, call

PAGE 18 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

MOTHER’S DAY

Weddings Don’t Presage Wedded Bliss

BY ASHLEIGH OLDLAND EDITOR

Take it from someone who knows, how smoothly — or not — a wedding goes isn’t necessarily indicative of the quality of the marriage that will follow.

Author Sherry L. Meinberg, 72, a long-time Long Beach resident, is celebrating the release this year of her latest non-fiction book, “Imperfect Weddings Are Best.” The book is a compilation of Meinberg’s personal experiences 1n real stories about weddings and relationships gathered from her family, friends and acquaintances.

“Expecting wedding perfection is setting oneself up for disaster,” Meinberg said. “Regardless of what happens on the wedding day, there is no need for minimeltdowns and hysterics.”

When it comes to weddings, Meinberg knows something about being a bride. She’s been married three times, and her most recent marriage, to Wayne Meinberg, has been going strong

SHERRY L. MEINBERG

for the last 45 years.

“Wayne and I decided to go to Las Vegas overnight to get married,” Meinberg said. “We drove in his Volkswagen because we could not get airline tickets because the airport in Las Vegas was on fire… Then, the courthouse — which is supposed to be open 24-hours a day — was closed, so we couldn’t get a marriage license… Nothing went as planned.”

Despite a wedding that Meinberg describes as “pretty funny,” the couple remains married more than four decades later, and

Meinberg said she believes part of their success together is due to their ability to handle bad or unexpected situations in life.

“Whatever happens, rise above it and don’t let it get you down,” said Meinberg, who, for someone who gives advice about love, appropriately wears a gold ring with two intertwined hearts. “The perfect wedding doesn’t necessarily equate to the perfect marriage.”

With a doctorate in education, Meinberg has written several books related to teacher training and other topics, but after her recent retirement from the education world, Meinberg said she was inspired to write something different, something personal.

“Originally, this was just going to be a family thing,” she said. “I was reminiscing and wasn’t thinking about publishing… Then I started talking to my neighbors and comparing stories and finding common themes that inspired me to keep writing more and more. I found out a lot about people that I hadn’t known before.”

The 445-page book is available in soft-cover and costs $19.99 on Amazon.com.

Team Tapped For Gerald Desmond A team of engineers and general contractors has been chosen to build the $650 million replacement for the Gerald Desmond Bridge.

A selection team of representatives from the state Transportation Department (Caltrans) and the Port of Long Beach made the announcement Friday, and the choice will go before the Long Beach Harbor Commission on Monday for final approval. There were several design-build proposals, with all coming from partnerships of multiple companies.

The major participants in the chosen proposal are Shimmick Constriction Co., Inc.; FCC construction S.A.; Impregilo S.p.A.; Arup North America Ltd.; and Biggs Cardosa Associates Inc. Government partners overseeing the project are the Port of Long Beach, Caltrans and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The port is the lead agency in the project, which will replace the 45-year-old Desmond Bridget connecting Long Beach and Terminal Island. The entire cost of the replacement is expected to top $1 billion; the $650 million design-build pricetag is less than expected, but within the $700 million estimate when a contingency cushion is added.

Monday’s Harbor Commission action will be to approve a notice of intent to enter into a contract. Signing of final documents should take place in late June, with construction beginning in early 2013.

The replacement bridge will have more traffic lanes in each direction, emergency pull-off lanes and a bike lane. It is expected to take five years complete, and create an average of 4,000 construction jobs a year.

—Harry Saltzgaver

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 19

MOTHER’S DAY

CSU Faculty Okays Strike, Walks Out Of Negotiation

BY STEPHANIE MINASIAN STAFF WRITER

A two-day strike was officially authorized last Wednesday through votes from the California State University Faculty Association (CFA), which means faculty and staff at the university system’s 23 campuses could initiate a rolling walkout, since the CFA walked out of contract negotiations on May 5, after the bargaining began on May 3.

At the bargaining table May 5, CSU officials said they would have to stop paying for the CFA president and political action committee’s leave time for business, but addressed CFA’s issues regarding extending fee waivers to dependents up to 25 years old, temporary faculty, evaluations and discipline. Union representatives decided to walk out of the negotiations.

“We are very disappointed that CFA chose to walk out and we were not able to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion,” said CSU Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Gail Brooks. “We have said all along that we want a new contract, and CSU remains willing to continue the negotiation process at any time to resolve these differences.”

There were nearly 70% of union members, about 12,501, who turned out to vote during the two-week voting period that oc-

curred from April 16 to 27. The results showed that 95% of faculty employees voted in favor of the strike.

During the last 22 months, talks have occurred between the CSU chancellor’s office and the CFA. Union officials maintained there was pressure and demands for concessions from the faculty’s contracts and that administration would not address CFA proposals to stop the increasing class sizes on university campuses, or give a 1% pay raise to its employees.

“Today, the faculty has spoken loud and clear — we have had enough of the way in which they are being treated by the CSU administration,” Lillian Taiz, president of the California Faculty Association, said last Wednesday at a news conference. “Enough of executives putting themselves above the needs of the students, and of the public university.

Enough of managers using budget cuts as an excuse to destroy the quality of students’ education.”

The next step is for a neutral party fact-finder to listen to arguments made by both sides, and eventually make a recommendation based on the arguments.

The CSU will then be allowed to make another offer to the union.

If the CFA rejects the final offer, the two-day rolling strike is legally allowed to occur at all CSU campuses this fall.

PAGE 20 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

Volkswagen Signs As New City Marathon Partner Volkswagen of America has been signed as the Official Automotive Partner of the International City Bank Marathon set for Oct. 7 in Long Beach.

The two-year deal includes

sponsorship of the Volkswagen 26.2 Bike Tour and displays at the Health and Fitness Expo and the Fan Festival at the finish line.

In a release, Bob Seagren, CEO of Run Racing, which promotes

the event, said “Running and cycling are the ultimate eco-friendly ways to get around and Volkswagen’s ‘Think Blue’ campaign is right in line with the city’s goals and interests.”

Murder At Sevilla After a five-year hiatus, “Murder at the Conga Club” brought the ghost of Julie Rose and an unsolved murder case to Cafe Sevilla late last month, with shows planned Fridays and Sundays through May 27.

The mystery theater production, which includes a threecourse dinner, asks audience members to reopen the unsolved case of singer Julie Rose’s murder. After her death 70 years ago, Rose’s murderer was never caught, and Rose’s ghost haunts the Conga Club (where she was killed in her dressing room).

The murder mystery was written by Long Beach resident and California State University, Long Beach, theater alumnus Baron Mosely, who also was the creator and original producer of the show.

Mosely is working as a consultant for the current producer and director Ryan McFarland of McFarland’s Murder Mystery.

“The first time I read the play, I knew I had to see it live, so I figured, why not bring this to life,” McFarland said in a release. “It’s even better than I could have ever imagined, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!”

The show is in production every Friday and Sunday through

May 27 at Sevilla, 140 Pine Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets to the show, including dinner, are $85. General admission tickets also are available for $49.

For reservations, visit www. murderatthecongaclub.com or call 528-0606.

Saver Takes Lots Big Lots at the corner of Junipero Avenue and Seventh Street is set to close next month, and plans are underway to renovate the space and open a Big Saver food market.

Long Beach Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal, who lives in the Rose Park area, said she was excited to hear that the owner of the property, Uka Solanki, is planning to renovate the space and open a grocery store that will provide a needed service in the community.

“I am looking forward to this change,” Lowenthal said. “The Seventh Street corridor is on the brink of taking off, and this single development is a chance to be a catalyst for Seventh Street corridor improvement. This is going to send a signal to other business owners to improve their businesses, or for new businesses to come in.”

Solanki said he expects to open the Big Saver before the end of the year, and is taking the community’s suggestions about the business into consideration.

Additionally, Solanki said he hopes to add a bank or other new business and structure into the shopping center and purchase and eliminate the gas station on the corner, which also is set to close.

Emily Stevens, president of the Rose Park Neighborhood Association, said the association hosted a meeting last week to talk about the incoming Big Saver with Lowenthal, Solanki and representatives of the Craftsman Village, North Alamitos Beach Association and Luther Burbank Elementary School.

Stevens said the RPNA is working closely with the Big Lots property owner and Lowenthal to help make the Big Saver project a success in the neighborhood.

The RPNA plans to host other meetings about the project before the issue goes to Long Beach’s Planning Commission or City Council.

Supercuts Opens Supercuts, which has more than 2,200 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, has opened a new salon in Long Beach at 3370 E. Seventh St. As part of its grand opening celebration set to take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, the salon will be offering free haircuts in addition to other prizes and giveaways.

Typically, adult haircuts cost $16. Cuts are $14 for children ages 12 or younger as well as seniors ages 65 or older. For details about the salon, call 438-1454.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 21

Cut Grass (Continued from Page 1)

and native gardens in 2008, during the height of the most recent drought.

Other municipalities soon picked up on the water-saving technique, and now the Metropolitan Water Department subsidizes the city’s rebate program to help people take out lawns.

A conscious decision to focus on landscaping comes from the reality that 60% to 70% of home water use takes place outside.

Water for the lawn comes from the same source — and costs just

Spring Clean (Continued from Page 1)

or via the “GO Long Beach” application for smartphones.

“Whatever is most convenient, we wanted to have as many options as we could available,” Neal said.

Those submitting a report must include address of nuisance, full name and contact information to be considered for prizes for most items reported.

Reports should be sent by email to district9@longbeach. gov; by calling the 9th District

as much — as the water used inside for drinking and bathing. So saving water outside means more water available for inside uses, as well as saving money.

That savings may be the reason why the May 19 tour is generating a big buzz, said Joyce Barkley, the water conservation technician in charge of planning the event. With virtually no publicity, the tour already has more than 1,750 registrations, and participation now is expected to top more than 2,500.

“A few days before, we’ll send everyone who has registered maps to those homes on the tour, council office at 570-6137; by submitting a casework request form online at www.insidedistrict9.com or via the GO Long Beach smartphone app.

“This will help to keep safe neighborhoods,” Neal said. “We see some good momentum — the neighborhood associations are doing a good job. That’s what’s really important — that our citizens are aware of what’s going on. We think it’s resonating and it’s going to work.”

For more information, visit the website at www.insidedistrict9. com.

Murder Victim’s Family Seeks Help The family of 9-year-old Xiomara Jonsales-Fernandez, who was murdered on April 28, is appealing to the public to help pay for the girl’s funeral.

Jonsales-Fernandez was found mid-day Saturday April 28 in the parking lot of the Los Alto Methodist Church at Woodruff and Willow by Nancy Eomurian. Eomurian says that she convinced stepfather Jacinto Trujillo Zuniga to stay at the scene until police officers arrived.

Zuniga, who was suffering from apparently self-inflicted cuts, was arrested and has been charged with capital murder and

five counts of sexual molestation of a child younger than 10. He is being held without bail.

Eomurian and others have started a fund to help with funeral expenses with help from the Long Beach Police Department and Farmers & Merchants Bank.

Donations are being accepted at the F&M branch at 3140 E. Anaheim St. The viewing for Jonsales-Fernandez took place Thursday at All Souls Cemetery, 4400 Cherry Ave, with the funeral scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Friday, at All Souls.

—Harry Saltzgaver

the places where the homeowners and experts will be,” Barkley said. “They can talk about the process. There also will be plant lists available.”

For the last two years, the Water Department has offered a $2.50 per square foot rebate for removing grass, up to 1,000 square feet.

That would be a 100-foot wide by 10-foot deep swath of grass, so it covers most front lawns.

“Experience has shown that, if you’re willing to do most of the work yourself, you can pretty much come out even,” Lyons said. “Then there are those who do a larger area, and use this es-

Economists (Continued from Page 1)

but what we hoped wouldn’t happen, which is that we are bumping along the bottom without recovery,” Grobar said. “But at least we are not seeing further decline.”

Foreclosures accounted for half of all sales in Los Angeles and Orange counties, and banks are holding on to more foreclosures.

That economists said, makes predictions difficult.

In Long Beach, the median home price in 2011 was $359,000,

sentially for seed money.

“We’ve worked hard to make the process simple. You can apply (for the rebate) online, and it usually only takes a day to say whether you’re eligible. Then you design it, and once we make sure it’s drought-tolerant, you can apply for the rebate.”

Offering information is the goal of the lawn-to-garden tour. In addition to home owners telling of their own experiences, landscape architect Barbara Paul, who has designed many of the yards already done through the Water Department Program, will be on hand at the department’s adminis-

tration building, at 1800 E. Wardlow Road. There are droughttolerant demonstration gardens at the administration building, as well.

Registration for the tour can be done at the department’s website dedicated to the lawn-to-garden program, www.lblawntogarden. com. Day-of registration is available at the administration building.

Lyons said that the city has up to $500,000 for lawn-to-garden rebates in the next fiscal year.

Applications for that program, as well as information, are at the same website.

compared to the median in 2007 of $563,000.

Still, Grobar said there are indicators that the housing market is moving in a positive direction.

There are fewer homes going into default across the region; also, because rental rates are increasing, more people may feel pushed to purchase homes. Additionally, the number of new family households typically declines during recessions, and sharply declined in 2008, which means that there may be a pent-up demand for homes.

“More than 8 million house-

holds would have been formed if (economic) conditions had been normal,” Grobar said. “So those households have been missing.”

According to the report, the regional housing market should improve in 2013 and 2014 as increasing demand raises home values.

Overall, the economists said there was cause for optimism.

“The region’s economic recovery began in 2011,” according to the report. “This year, the region will post gains in most sectors, and a number of sectors will be job growth in excess of 2%.”

PAGE 22 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Residents of Long Beach help people all year through a variety of activities. Listed below are the results of some projects, as well as more opportunities to reach out.

Musical Theatre West has received a $10,000 grant for the National Endowment of the Arts.

The grant is for the Reiner Reading Series, which seeks to preserve Americana Musical Theater through concert readings of classic and contemporary shows.

The National Association of Letter Carriers will collect food along with delivering the mail this Saturday, May 12. It’s the annual Stamp Out Hunger Day. Leave nonperishables by your mailbox and the carriers will pick them up for distribution in the community. It’s a joint project of the United States Postal Service, the NACL, The National Rural Letter Carriers Association and Campbell Soup Company, Feeding America, Valpak, AFL-CIO and United Way of America.

The Tom Atkinson Memorial 5K Walk/Run fundraiser for brain research at UCLA begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Lakewood High, 4400 Briercrest.

To register, visit www.craniumcrusaders.org.

Enjoy food and music by As

You Were and the Pirates of Pop at a benefit for Tumaini International, which helps AIDS orphans in Africa from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at The Gaslamp, 6251 E. PCH. It’s for all ages.

The Milonga (a place where tango is danced) fundraiser for the Museum of Latin American Art begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at MoLAA, 628 Alamitos Ave. The evening includes cocktails, a live art auction, a sitdown dinner and an after-party.

Tickets are $250. Call 215-4141 or email gadams@molaa.org.

Long Beach Kid’s Connection presents Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 13 at Mother’s Beach. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 3-16. It’s a benefit for homeless children and children in need. Call 233-4338 or visit www.lbkidsconnection.org.

Four individuals will receive the 2012 Humanitarian Award at the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) banquet beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 17, at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, 111 E. Ocean Blvd. At the banquet, the CCEJ will honor its recently retired president, Margaux Kohut, for her 25 years of service to the

organization and the community.

Tickets are $180. Call 435-8184 or send an email to amize@cacej. org. Money from the banquet supports the work of the CCEJ. The website is www.cacej.org.

Stanford Middle School is hosting its annual Electronic Waste and Shred Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Stanford Middle School, 5871 E. Los Arcos St. As usual in e-waste drives, no batteries or fluorescent light bulbs. For more information, call 243-2171.

Hooters Restaurants will honor the military on Saturday May 19. Present a valid I.D. and they’ll get a free burger or chicken sandwich. Hooters in Long Beach as at 71 Aquarium Way in the Pike.

A Texas Hold’em and Bunco tournament will be part of the fun at a Long Beach Basket Brigade Fundrasier starting at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 19, at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. The evening also includes dinner, auctions and dancing. Tickets start at $40. Visit longbeachbasketbrigade.org.

A five-bedroom, 4,800-squarefoot home is the ultimate prize in the Dream House Raffle hosted

by Special Olympics Southern California. The winner can take the house or $1.5 million in cash.

There also will be more than 100 other prizes. The final deadline is May 18, but there are other drawings along the way. To purchase tickets, call (800) 816-6108, or visit www.sosc.org.

The Long Beach Playhouse is looking for new members to help support its work as the longest running community theater west of the Mississippi. The playhouse operates 50 weeks a year, presenting plays on two stages as well as adult acting workshops and programs for children. An annual membership of $50 supports the theater and offers additional benefits. To join, call 494-1014, ext.

500.

May 11, 2012 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | PAGE 25

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Call 562-439-0551

BELMONT HEIGHTS 445 Redondo Avenue #8 Clean 1 Bed 1Bath - Open to Show! $750/mo., Call Kurt 949-887-5200 949-725-8660 Belmont Heights 4 Plex 1Bed 1Bath, Parking, laundry 735 Termino #1 $895/month 714-655-5397 562-439-0395

Belmont Heights Area 783 Newport Avenue Large 1 Bedrm 1Bath Fresh Paint & Carpet Refrigerator & Stove + On Site Laundry $885 a month

Cats OK!

Call 562-230-8575 or 562-301-9377 Belmont Heights Edge 777 Euclid Avenue Gorgeous Upper Apt 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Hardwood Floors New Tile Bath, Kitchen w/Refrigerator, Stove + On Site Laundry, Yard Area and 1 Parking Space $925 a month

Call 562-984-6280 or 310-704-6596 Belmont Heights

GREAT LOCATION Pallas Athena 212 Euclid Avenue Between Broadway & 2nd Approximately 900 Sq Ft Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath with Private Balcony, All Built Ins + Refrigerator & Gar Parking in Control Access Building starting at $1295 a month

562-433-7513

Professionally Managed By GJ Property Services Inc gjpropertyservices.com

Belmont Heights Open House Sunday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 815 Loma Avenue

Gated Courtyard ~ Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Unit with New Carpet, Fresh Paint and New Stove! $900 a month, No Pets

Call (562) 896 - 4698

Belmont Shore 3939 Allin Street Right On The Beach!

TOP FLOOR CONDO Remodeled 1 Bed 1 Bath New Carpet, Fresh Paint Balcony, Refrigerator New Stove, Microwave & Dishwasher + On Site Laundry & Garage Parking in Secure Bldg with Sauna! $1500/month, no pets

CALL 562-314-2210

Belmont Shore 69 Park Avenue

1 Bedroom Guest Unit Loft Bedroom, Deck Full Kitchen, Laundry Parking and Storage $1150/mo + $150/mo

for ALL Utilities & PREMIUM CABLE! Call 562-537-1172

Restaurants & Blue Line

PENINSULA 6106 Ocean Boulevard Enjoy the Casual Beach Lifestyle of Long Beach’s Belmont Peninsula!

Upper Studio with Full Bath & Full Kitchen Laminate Wood Floors Refrigerator, Stove Fresh Paint, Gated Entry Non Smoking Building $995/mon + $1000/dep Close to 2nd St & Beach Jessica 562-344-3559 Pabst Kinney & Assoc’s Shore Studio +cvrd parkng Lrg super clean +lndry onsite 24 Roswell Av $875/mo Call Tyler or Earl 562 438-2902

$950 a month & Sec. Quiet Gated Building Remodeled w/Stove

BYO-Refrigerator On Site Laundry Courtyard & BBQ Bonito & Appleton Call 562-607-4167 Belmont Heights 3050 East 5th Street Completely Remodeled Upper 1 Bed, New Carpet NEW Designer Ceramic Tile Bathroom, Hallway & Kitchen Floors, NEW Refrigerator & Stove + Laundry On Site $975/mo

~ 562- 881-5555 agt ~ See On YouTube

Best Bel Shore Deal 1 Bed On Site Laundry & Cats OK! 20 Belmont Av $925/mo Call Tyler or Earl 562 438-2902

Best Kept Secret In Long Beach!

Ground Flr 1 Bed 1 Bath Wood Burning Fireplace Laundry Rm Hook Ups Acre of Central Garden BBQ area Pool & Garage in Gated Community!

Prime Eastside Location

1535 Termino Ave $950/mo., no dogs Paul 562-597-0830

Dwntwn nr St Mary Hosptal 1 Bed 1 Bath, New Carpet Elevator 800 Linden $900., 310-619-6566 (5)439-9172

BIXBY KNOLLS 4569 Banner Drive

Completely Remodeled!

Upper Large 1 Bedrm

New Carpet & Tile Flrs New Kitchen, All New Appliances + Sec Gate! $895 a month, no smkrs

Call 562-716-5945

Bluff Height 2750 East 3rd Street BLOCKS TO OCEAN Quiet Upper Unit Remodeled Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Fresh Paint & Carpet

Refrigerator & Stove plus On Site Laundry $1050 a month

Call (562) 243-0624

Near The Pier!

3939 Allin Street Steps to the Sand...

1 Bed 1 Bath with

New Carpet, Fresh Paint Dishwasher, Microwave Stove + On Site Laundry Bike Storage, Jacuzzi! & Parking $1100/mon

no pets 562-852-5242 Downtown 823 Linden Avenue

near shopping & buses Upper & Lower Units Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath New Carpet Fresh Paint Air Conditioning, Stove

RENTAL ONE BEDROOM

Moms Are The Best! Happy Mothers Day!

from Brockman Properties CALL 562-597-0676 Studio Units

3509 East Ocean Boulevard

$850 a month

1 Bedroom 1 Bath Units 1109 Ximeno Avenue $950 a month 678 1/2 Coronado Avenue $995 a month 1207 Mira Mar Avenue $950 a month 40 - 63rd Place, The Peninsula $1025 a month 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Units 3437 East Ransom Avenue $1195 a month 4233 Green St, Los Alamitos $1350 a month 1441 Locust Avenue $1100 a month 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Units 3509 East Ocean Boulevard $1750 a month Attention: Property Owners!

Let us show you what We CAN DO! 3720 East Anaheim St #201 in Long Beach

plus On Site Laundry Private Storage and Undergrnd Parking $950/mo * 12th mo FREE with Year Lease call Patrisha or Stacey 562-437-4500

Shore 1Bed & Covrd Prkng Super Large +on site lndry 24 Roswell Ave $1075/mo Tyler or Earl 562-438-2902

OCEAN VIEW!

NORTH LONG BEACH 1440 South Street

20 - 3rd Place LARGE UPPER 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Right On The Beach! ~ Remodeled ~ $1250 a month street parking only

RENTAL ONE BEDROOM

Call 562-597-0676 Today! Or email vacancies@BrockmanProp.com

MOVE IN SPECIAL!

1/2 Off 1st Months Rent!!

Upgraded 1 Bed 1 Bath & Kitchen, Fresh Paint New Carpet, Stove, On Site Laundry, Parking in Gated Lush Garden Setting with Swimming Pool! $750/mo

Emily (562) 472-4450

Historic Wrigley Area 2474 Chestnut Avenue Classic Spanish 4 Plex Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Diningv Room, Carpet Coved Ceilings, Stove + On Site Laundry $825.,

Ideal for 1 person No smoking, No pets Donna 562-498-1109 Walk to beach ~ 20s Charm 1Bd, Sharp landscap’d bldg stove, refrig, $895. gar avail 1528 E 1st St 562-433-9501

Bluff Heights 2722 East 3rd Street

call 562 . 370 . 7306

Upper 1 Bed 1 Bath Freshly Painted Unit Refrigerator and Stove plus Laundry On Site $950 a month ~ 562- 881-5555 agt ~ See On YouTube

Open Sunday 12- 3 PM

RENTAL TWO BEDROOMS RENTAL TWO BEDROOMS RENTAL TWO BEDROOMS

2 Story ~ 4 Plex ~ Upper 1 Bedroom, Remodeled

1 BLOCK TO BEACH! 1220 1/2 East 1st Street

Bluff Heights 3045 East Theresa St

Completely Refurbished Lower 2 Bed New Bath Laminate Wood Floors Fresh Paint, Verticals Granite Counters, Stove

Refrigerator + On Site Laundry & Parking! $1195 a month 1 small pet ok Call (562) 682-4499 Stoneybrook Villas 436 Bellflower Blvd Best Location & View!

Quiet 1 Bedroom Condo 1 Bath, Blinds, Carpet Refrigerator, Stove + On Site Laundry, Rec Room

263 La Verne Ave #4 BELMONT SHORE

Travertine Bathroom Fresh Paint, Carpeting

Remodeled Kitchen

with Granite Counters

Refrigerator, Stove

Built In Microwave, On Site Laundry & Shared

Big Patio Area! $1325

CALL 310-408-6157 PENINSULA 53 ~ 62nd Place # A Between Ocean & Bay! Newly Remodeled

Quiet Lower 1Bed 1Bath New Kitchen Cabinets New Refrigeratr & Stove New Blinds, Tile Floors and Tandem Parking $1150/mo + $1160/dep tenant pays electricity

Move In Special Jessica 562-344-3559

2 Pools, Sauna, Tennis

Pabst Kinney & Assoc’s

CALL 562-498-2949 OR 562-597-3506

Rec Park, Golf & Tennis!

1023 Prospect Avenue Quiet 6 Unit Complex

Gym, Parkng & Gatd $1325.

Walk To Beach 1415 Appleton St #2 Completely Remodeled Large Condo 1Bed 1Bth Patio, Track & Recessed Lighting, Lots Of Closets Refinished Hardwood &

Tile Floors, Fresh Paint Refrig & Stove + On Site Laundry $950 a month CALL (562) 439-7285 Downtown ~ 628 Daisy Av Darling Gated Condo 1 Bed 1 Bath, Balcony, Fireplace Brand New Tile Flrs thru out NEW Kitchen Countertops W/D Hook Ups, Fresh Paint Garage Parking Space with Storage, Club House +Pool $1095/mo/yr lse + $750/dep inc water. no pet/no smoking Guadalupe 562-869-4662

Newly Remodeled ~ Really Nice Upper LARGE 1 BED Ceramic Tile Bath & Kitchn Dishwasher, Refrigerator Stove, AC, Skylight, Ceiling Fans, Carpet, Laundry Rm Gated Patio With BBQ $975 Water Paid! + Security Dep. No Pets, N/S, MUST SEE!!!

By Appointment Only Call

562-433-8634 or 212-2941 Rose Park 675 Stanley Avenue Tree Lined Street Quiet 6 Apt Complex Bright Ground Floor 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Unit New Carpet Fresh Paint

Refrigerator, Stove + On Site Laundry $995/mo No Pets, N/S Call (562) 221-0423

Quiet Rear Unit Small, But Cute, Light & Airy 2 Bedrm 1 Bath Hardwood Floors + On Site Laundry $1200/month/year leas e small pet allowed Norm (562) 427-7622

2Bd 1.5Ba Appls + laundry 3204 E 2nd $1595 Gar Avail no pets 987-3812, 437-6997

3rd Floor ~ Remodeled Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath New Carpet, Fresh Paint Refrigerator and Stove plus On Site Laundry in Intercom Entry Bldg w/Elvtr. $800/mo OAC

ROSE PARK 768 Orizaba Avenue Completely Remodeled Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Granite Counter Tops Hardwood Floors Refrigerator & Stove

650 Prospect Avenue (near 7th Street) · 2 Br 1 Ba Duplex · Hardwood Floors · Stove, Refrigerator · No Parking · Cat OK, No Dogs · Rent: $1,500/mo

(562) 225-4848

6 Blocks to Ocean Upper owners unit 2bd + bounus rm brkfst nk 666 Molino $1595. no pets 481-7285 435-5949

ALAMITOS BEACH 850 East Ocean Blvd "THE PACIFIC" OCEAN VIEW CONDO 2nd Floor 1400 Sq Ft 2 Beds 2 Baths, Balcony Carpet, Hardwood and Stone Floors, Dishwashr Refrigerator, Stove and Washer/Dryer in Unit!

2 Garage Parking, Gym Pool, Spa, Private Beach Access in 24 Hr Security Building. $2800/month Deanna 562-397-4851

A Real Deal!

1520 Orizaba nr PCH Upper Cute & Cozy

2 Bed, Ceramic Tile Bath & Kitchen, Ceiling Fans plus On Site Laundry $950/mo., Ask About

$975 a month

Move In Special!

Call 1-800-400-8030 jwprops@aol.com

Walk To Beach!

SIGNAL HILL Crestview Apartments 2251 East 21st Street

Art Craft Manor 2240 Grand Avenue (Stearns & Redondo) Charming Front Duplex

2751 De Soto Street #1 1 Bed 1 Bath, Tile Floors Stove, Refrig, Patio, Garage $1025/month + $700/dep

OCEANS VIEWS! 1 Bedroom 1 Bath New Carpet & Paint Stove plus On Site Laundry, Carport 2 Swimming Pools & Garden Courtyard ~ No Pets Please ~

Call (562) 495-1293 BBradley262@aol.com 3650 East 1st Street #6 1 Bed 1 Bath, Hardwd Flrs Stove & Refrig $1395/mo

Seal Beach near Pier!

1002 Ocean Avenue #4 Very Large 1 Bed 1 Bath New Carpet/Flrs, Refrig & Stov $1395/mo + $1000/dp

No Pets 562-438-9758 JTM Property Management

+ On Site Laundry

Dani 310-488-4190 McConkey Appleton Apts

Call 562-494-5133

Art Craft Manor 2330 Termino Avenue (Stearns & Redondo) Classic Duplex ~ 2 Bed

1 Bath, Hardwood Floors Ceiling Fans, Gas Stove W/D Hook Up & Garage Parking $1295 Pet Friendly

Ask About Special!

Call 1-800-400-8030 jwprops@aol.com

Art Craft Manor Duplex Sunset Beach 2Bed 1Bath 1Carport, stove, refrig, fresh paint/carpet, steps to bch n/s $1475/mo/lse 562-243-0787

MarilynHelgeson@gmail.com

East Village Downtown

3056 E. Broadway Lwr 2Bd LBrent.info $1265 394-8340

Lower Front 2 Bed 1 Bath New Carpet, Hardwood Flr Stove plus W/D Hook Ups

Pet Friendly! $1295/mo Ask About Special!

Call 1-800-400-8030 jwprops@aol.com

Bel Shore 233 1/2 Granada Lrg 2Bd, Patio, Hardwood Flr Refrig, Stove, W/D Hook Ups $1775/month 562-201-3308

2246 Granada Ave

2Bd, Remodeled Bath Refrigerator + Washer & Dryer Hook Ups Shared Garage & Yard!

on Corner Lot. $1500 562 . 498 . 0159 abetterproperty.com Belmont Heights 232 Euclid Avenue Spanish Style Duplex Upper Spacious 2 Bed 1 Bath, Hardwood and Carpet, All Appliances plus Washer/Dryer in Unit! $1895 a month small pet considered

CALL 562-425-0525

Belmont Heights 254 Loma Avenue Classic Duplex ~ Upper 2 Bedroom 1 Bath with Private Balcony Hardwood Floors and Original Crown Molding Washer/Dryer, Stove Refrigerator, Built In BBQ & Driveway Parking! $1450/mo + $1450/dep includes water & -trash small dog with dep/cat ok

Call 760-484-0991

Belmont Heights 3617 East 8th Street California Bungalow

Rear House 2 Bedrooms 1.5Baths, Hardwd Flrs New Ceramic Tile, Fresh Paint, Refrigerator, Stov Washer/Dryer Private Back Yard with Deck & Spa + 1 Car Garage with Driveway $2100/mo inc gas/wtr/trash + lawn & spa svc inc 562-439-1371 josephponeill@yahoo.com

Belmont Heights 4243 East 5th Street Contemporary 4 Plex Large Spacious Owners Unit 2 BEDROOMS 1.75 BATHS Dining Room, Living Room Fireplace, Private Patio Fresh Paint & Carpet Ceramic Tile Kitchen has Dishwasher, Cook Top and Oven, Refrigerator Washer/Dryer & Private Garage with Opener $1795/mo, small pet ok!

Call (323) 359-7792 or 562-494-9711 dhgayl@gmail.com

PAGE 32 | GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS | May 11, 2012