Erasure or Remembrance? Japanese Internment 80 Years Later By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor
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[See Internment, p. 4]
A detail of the memorial on Terminal Island to the once-thriving Japanese fishing village. Photo by Arturo Garcia-Ayala
SAN PEDRO — Supervisor Janice Hahn and Genton Cockum Partners on Feb. 9, announced the demolition of the San Pedro Courthouse, which will pave the way for a new mixed-use community, comprising market-rate and affordable housing, joint-use open space, and expansive ground floor retail space. Demolition is expected to take up to 50 days with construction anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2022. The San Pedro Courthouse operated from 1969 to 2013 and was among the many county courthouses across the state closed because of budget constraints and the opening of the Duekmejian regional courthouse in Long Beach. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors entered into an exclusive agreement with Genton Cockrum Partners for the redevelopment project in 2018. Following years of planning, Genton Cockrum Partners tapped MVE + Partners to design the eight-story building, which will include 300 apartment units spanning studio,
one-, two- and three-bedrooms, as well as approximately 20,000 square feet of ground floor retail occupied primarily by a food hall with areas for communal seating, entertainment and community activities. As part of its plan, Genton Cockrum Partners revealed that more than 20% of the units — 60 in total — will be offered at rents considered affordable to households earning no more than 80% of the Los Angeles area median income. In addition, the developers will use entirely union labor for construction of the project, working with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. The courthouse property on 6th and Centre streets is owned by the County of Los Angeles and Supervisor Janice Hahn has led the charge for its redevelopment, which is labor-financed and labor built. The courthouse has been vacant since 2013 when the state consolidated many local courts into regional ones.
“Today, we said our last goodbyes to the old courthouse,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Regardless of what your memories are with this building, it served our community well for as long as it could. Today we are officially closing the door on that chapter of this property and opening the door to the next. This project is an ideal one for downtown San Pedro. We are building apartments that people can afford, bringing more people to downtown and building a space everyone can enjoy. And yet this project doesn’t address the accessibility to justice that the closing of the courthouse created. As one noted jurist commented, ‘Denial of access to justice is denial of justice.’” Genton Cockrum Partners has been dedicated to delivering a project that aligns with the authenticity of San Pedro. Working with the San Pedro Neighborhood Council, Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement District, Genton Cockrum Partners revised initial design plans to incorporate street level commercial design and public open space elements intended to be more consistent with nearby historic buildings and contribute to the vitality of downtown [See Demo, p. 3] 1
February 17 - March 2, 2022
19th premiere of LAHIFF: Remaining relevant amidst a pandemic p. 9 New LA City law will make it easier for restaurants to werve alcohol p. 10
Hahn and GCP Begin Demo of Vacant Courthouse
Real People, Real News, Really Effective
eb. 19 marks the 80th anniversary of when Terminal Island’s residents became the first Japanese Americans on the West Coast to be forcibly removed from their homes. They were forced to evacuate their homes within 48 hours and had to leave almost all of their possessions behind. Los Angeles has always been a place that forever asks, “What does the past have to do with me?” And with every new redevelopment project our history and our heritage is razed, bulldozed, remade, covered up and or otherwise obliterated from memory. Los Angeles has gotten particularly good at it, since institutions lose institutional memory the way a man with a hole in his pocket loses money. The Port of Los Angeles was considering a plan to demolish the old StarKist Cannery this past December. San Pedro residents with ties that go back generations with the cannery made their voices heard and demanded the building be preserved and repurposed. The project would involve demolition of the main building (Plant No. 4) and the northern and southern portions of the East Plant and a water-side dock. The 16.5-acre parcel sits on Terminal Island amid a heavily industrialized area. The port’s environmental study determined that the site did not qualify for historic status based standards for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historic Resources and the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. This move sparked concern for the remaining buildings of Japan Town on Terminal Island. Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council member, Gina Lumbruno, had taken an interest in the building over the past year and researched the backgrounds of many of the pre World War II properties still standing on Terminal Island. “The port deemed Japan Town’s only buildings remaining are on Tuna Street from addresses 700 through 744,” Gina explained. “The Port’s master plan called for knocking
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February 17 - March 2, 2022
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Community Announcements:
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LA Youth Count 2022
In 2019, the City of LA saw a 17% increase in its homeless youth population. You can help to make sure they are seen and counted by volunteering for The Youth Count Community Blitz Day Feb. 26 in the South Bay. Details: www.layouthcount.com/volunteer
White House Calls For Action to Ensure Americans Get the Tax Credits They Deserve
Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen will host a day of action to encourage Americans to sign up for the Expanded Child Tax Credit or CTC and Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC. The American Rescue Plan made significant changes to two critical tax relief programs. Details: www.tinyurl.com/4x2h6rra
POLB Summer High School Internships
Applications are now open for the Port of Long Beach Summer High School Internship Program. High school internships are available to current high school juniors and seniors who reside in Long Beach or attend a high school in the Long Beach Unified School District service area. The deadline to apply is March 1. Details: www.polb.com/port-info/news2022-high-school-internships
HCBF Releases $350,000 For Community Health and Wellness In San Pedro, Wilmington
COVID-19 “Pick-Up Testing Kit” Program Expanded To 14 New Sites
Free Grocery Grab N Go Festivities
Free fresh packed groceries for all. This event will take place on the third Saturday of each month. The next one will be Feb. 19. The event is first come first served. Time: 12 to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 Cost: Free Details: www.helpmehelpyou.org/food-pantry Venue: Perry Lindsey Academy, 5075 Daisy Ave., Long Beach
Come March, Carson’s City Council will take a vote on redistricting the current controversial district map — the once-a-decade process has drawn criticism from Carson residents for fueling deeper polarization at an already politically divided city council. The city only moved to district voting in 2020 after being hit with a lawsuit for adopting at-large elections. The Southwest Voting Rights Group sued on the basis that Carson violated guarantees of a constitutional election. The lawsuit, which was expected, cost the city over $500,000. “For the past several years, the outcome of the elections in Carson were pretty much decided by a very specific group of residents in the city,” said Dr. Sharma Henderson, president of Carson Accountability and Transparency. “That’s what made our city a textbook case for the Southwest Voting Rights. And why it was very easy for them to force our hand at making us a district city.” When the city council adopted the district map, community leaders and political candidates immediately criticized the new district lines as benefiting the council members. The accusations of gerrymandering, and intentionally skewing district lines for political advantages, plagued the council with claims of disenfranchising voters. “They’re [city council] concerned about protecting their own interests,’’ said Dr. Henderson. “Because remember, as those lines shift, that determines whether or not they stay in the district that they’re in, that determines who gets to run against them. That determines whether or not they end up having to run against each other.” Carson’s former city councilwoman and a plaintiff in the lawsuit, Vera Robles DeWitt, said the election process with the current map makes it difficult for members of the community to run for a political position. In November, she ran for city clerk, an elected position, but came short behind then California state legislator Myla Rahman. “It is very difficult to win an election in Carson,” Robles DeWitt said during her campaign run in November. “You either have to know the right people or have loads and loads of money.” The Fair and Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions (FAIR MAPS) Act requires cities to involve residents in the redistricting process by “holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities.” Carson’s Assistant City Manager John Raymond, the leader behind hosting the workshops and delivering the information to the council said the city is trying to be as “public and transparent as possible.” “All of these workshops that we’re doing, it would be one thing to say, ‘well we’re just going to put the notice up on the website and hope people show up, right?’” he explained. “And we do that, and we put it on social media channels and things like that, sort of blast it out.” Raymond goes on to say the city has hired a walkman to pass flyers to residents near the neighborhoods where the next workshop will be held. This process ended after
all scheduled workshop meetings became virtual. But Dr. Henderson said the city of Carson should do more than what the law requires and urges residents to pay more attention to redistricting. “They’re going through the motions as legally required, and that’s it,” she said. “They’re doing the bare minimum, and they’re doing it very quietly. It’s an opportunity for engagement that I feel has been intentionally overlooked. And that saddens me because the lack of engagement from the residents allows for that to happen. And so the net result of it will be that we’re going to get a map that’s going to be favorable to the people who are serving in council. And we’re going to have to live with that map. And by the time people actually either realize that the boundaries of the map have changed, if at all, the process will be done and over with.” The city, tasked with hiring a demographer, chose Andrew Westfall to draft a variety of maps to present during workshops and council meetings. As of early February he has drafted and presented six district maps. Members of the public are able to present their own maps. The maps are a representation of the various demographics of the city. Who is represented and by which council member is blatantly influenced by how the map is outlined. Councilwoman Arleen Rojas expressed that the turnout of the workshops is disappointing. “I’ve been to the meetings and there are not that many people who show up,” she said during a council meeting. “And it’s staff. We really need to promote it and get the community to come out. We need to hear from them.”
At the council meeting, Mayor Lula DavisHolmes suggested council members host their own redistricting information meetings for their districts — a process that will require further evaluation from the city manager. But residents are still skeptical about the unanimity in the final decision and question if the council members should be the ones making the final call. Raymond says the council members don’t have to pick a new map if they don’t want to. “Under the law, they can actually adopt the current app,” Raymond said. “The map that was adopted two years ago meets the demographic tests and meets a balancing test, so they don’t have to change the map. If they didn’t want to change it, they wouldn’t have to. But we’re required to go through this process and create new maps and try to improve things.” When the redistricting process is finalized in March, the next opportunity to redraw the lines won’t come for another decade. Dr. Henderson wants to make every resident aware of this. “It’s their opportunity to make sure that a person is in office, who lives in their community, who understands the issues and the circumstances that are specific to the neighborhoods that are represented by their district. And that’s the whole point behind having districts,” Dr. Henderson said. “They need to consume as much information as possible. They need to educate themselves. They need to ask questions. They need to be as engaged in the process as possible. And they need to let their voice be heard.” Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, council members Cedric L. Hicks Sr. and Jawane Hilton did not respond for comment.
[Demo, from p. 1]
Demo Paves Way for Housing
San Pedro. The result is a building that celebrates “We look forward to working with Genton old architecture while incorporating modern ele- Cockrum Partners and the County of Los Angeles, and appreciate their commitment to ments. “This demolition marks years of collaboration and dedication to bringing thoughtful housing and activated public spaces to downtown San Pedro,” said William (“Bill”) Cockrum, senior managing partner and president of the development firm. “We are grateful for the tremendous support Demolition of the former San Pedro courthouse. Photo by Arturo Garcia-Ayala we’ve received from Supervisor Hahn, Coun- building mixed-income housing, and building cilmember Buscaino and other local officials, as it with 100% union labor.” Located at 505 S. well as the community and construction trades. Centre St., the property is among downtown We look forward to officially beginning excava- San Pedro shops and restaurants and is within tion and construction later this year.” two blocks of the LA Waterfront. Ted Chandler, senior managing director of — RLN Staff report the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust said,
February 17 - March 2, 2022
LA County Department of Health Services has expanded its “Pick-up Testing Kit” program with an additional 7,000 free COVID-19 testing kits available daily via 14 new LA County library sites. The program allows residents to pick up a PCR test kit, perform the test and return the completed test for processing. These test kits are not the rapid antigen tests. Residents will be notified of their test results within 24 to 48 hours. “Pick-Up Testing Kits” will be available without an appointment while supplies last. The Pick-Up Testing Kit is a PCR test that requires individuals to register online with a smartphone. Details: Pick-Up Testing Kit Program, www.tinyurl. com/yvzc6dy6
By Fabiola Esqueda, Carson Reporter
Real People, Real News, Really Effective
The Harbor Community Benefit Foundation board has approved the release of $350,000 in grant funds to the recipients listed below. The priorities for this round of funding were developed in collaboration with the TraPac appellants to address the port-related impacts in the communities of Wilmington and San Pedro. Projects awarded are listed below: Wilmington Community of Schools was awarded $250,000 to establish a health care clinic/ wellness center to assist with mitigating the impacts of the ports for both San Pedro and Wilmington residents. Los Angeles Walks was awarded $50,000. These funds will be to build on the “Harbor Community Streets Have Data” project, conducting training to gather street-by-street data on walkability, access to public transit, and the impact of port-related truck traffic through professional walk audits. South Bay Center for Counseling was awarded $50,000 to be used to increase access to green spaces for the residents of Wilmington by further developing urban farms and additional tree planting in the community. Wilmington Community Clinic was awarded $50,000 for part-time asthma specialist physician, medical assistant, and case manager to screen, diagnose, counsel, educate, monitor and treat low-income residents of primarily Wilmington and San Pedro.
Carson Quietly Undergoes Redistricting
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[Internment, from p. 1]
T.I. Japanese Internment Remembered these buildings down. It’s so ridiculous. The LA Conservancy came and fought for these buildings. So the port had them deemed historical.” Gina says there is still one building that remains in peril.
“You have to go on that Japan Town’s website and you can plug in the addresses,” Gina explained. “It’s so sad because it’ll tell you which addresses were demolished and what ones are extant, which means they’re still standing.”
A. Nakamura Company at 712 Tuna Street, a store that was founded by a Japanese fisherman. Photo courtesy of Derek Nakamura
February 17 - March 2, 2022
Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant
Gina explained that the port has provided the council a historical inventory report that included the addresses 700, 702 and 712 on Tuna Street. But it did not include 744 Tuna Street. The Nakamura Company store was located at 712 Tuna Street while the Tokyo Aloha Restaurant was located at 744 Tuna Street. Gina noted that the port is supposed to put out an inventory report of the historical buildings every two years. Gina learned that the building at 748 Tuna Street was built by Vincent Thomas, the assemblyman from San Pedro for which the bridge is named. It was a market. Then Harbor Light restaurant and market took over. “I think maybe about 10 years ago, a Korean couple started a restaurant there at 748 and they got their lease taken away two years ago.” Gina didn’t know the reason it was taken
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away, but believed the port likely made it difficult for the couple to keep the lease because they had other uses for the property in mind. “To me that might be a sneaky underhanded way of getting them out of there,” Gina explained. “That was the only thing open [for food]. Truckers used to have coffee and food there. That was the only place on the island to get anything.”
Legacy, History and the Present
Derek Nakamura said he was always aware that his grandfather’s store was still standing on Terminal Island. He just didn’t know the port was looking to tear down what remained. Until recently, he’d bring his family to visit Tuna Street to look at the Star-Kist cannery and what’s left of the Japanese village that once [See Remembrance, p. 8]
Mexican GM Workers Vote for New Union By Mark Friedman, Contributor
Auto workers at a General Motors plant in central Mexico delivered a landslide victory to an independent union in a vote held the first two days of February. It’s a major breakthrough for workers and labor activists seeking to break the vice grip of the employer-friendly unions in the Congress of Mexican Labor (CTM), that have long dominated Mexico’s labor movement. Turnout among the plant’s 6,300 eligible voters was 88%. The independent union SINTTIA (the National Auto Workers Union) picked up 4,192 votes — 78% of the vote. SINTTIA, which grew out of the successful campaign which ousted the previous corrupt union last year, promised to raise wages and fight for workers on the shop floor. “Today I believe we as workers are more united than ever,” said Alejandra Morales, SINTTIA’s principal officer, who has worked at the plant for 11 years. “Not only in Silao, but in all of Mexico.” CTM affiliates, tied to the long-ruling PRI, have long been criticized for signing employerfriendly “protection contracts,” which lock in low wages and prevent workers from organizing genuine unions. SINTTIA’s victory is a shot in the arm for the independent union movement in Mexico; the vote was closely followed domestically and internationally.
“What we hope is that [workers at] new companies see that they can beat the CTM,” said Juan Armando Fajardo Rivera, the union’s press secretary, who has worked at the plant for 13 years. “The CTM isn’t invincible. If you want a union, you can achieve it with the new reform.” Video interview with new union leaders. https://therealnews.com/mexican-auto-workersjust-made-history-by-taking-back-their-union
Memphis Starbucks Workers Fired for Unionizing Efforts
Recently fired Starbucks workers are speaking out after they were fired by the coffee chain for organizing a union drive at a Memphis store. The workers say they refuse to be silenced and are calling on Starbucks employees around the country to unionize more locations. After a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York became the first unionized Starbucks store in the U.S. a wave of workers at 67-plus stores began to join the #UnionsForAll movement fighting for safer working conditions, higher wages, fair schedules and more. Starbucks is raking in record-profits while employees are reporting hours getting cut and retaliation for their union organizing. They’re pulling out the same tactics that many other employers have tried.
Real People, Real News, Really Effective February 17 - March 2, 2022
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Wrong Way Joe
Buscaino calls for outlawing sidewalk bike repairs and other ill-conceived notions By James Preston Allen, Publisher
February 17 - March 2, 2022
Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant
Once again LA City Councilman Joe Buscaino wants another ordinance outlawing homelessness on the streets of Los Angeles. This is nothing new. Last time it was the anti-camping ordinance; the time before that, it was homeless “sweeps;” and before all of the hand-wringing over homelessness, he was responsible for the eviction of some 170 souls from Ken Malloy Park in Harbor City. Then he was shocked when these unhoused individuals began conspicuously camping in the public domain. Between then and now, Buscaino has disregarded the neighborhood councils’ advice, never seeking their support. Instead, he went on a gentrification spree using non-union labor and building less than mandatory affordable units. Joe was a Johnny Come-Lately to the Bridge Home concept. And he only fell in line with the tiny homes solution when Mayor Eric Garcetti adopted the policy once the name was changed to “pallet homes” and placed at a distance far from his hometown of San Pedro. That there has been any movement policy-wise on more effective and quicker solutions addressing homelessness is due to Judge David O. Carter’s holding homeless hearings in council chambers at city hall. I have said it before and I’ll repeat it here for the hard of hearing, if ordinances could solve the homeless crisis, it would have been solved a long time ago! Somehow, Buckets Buscaino, as he is known in the district, has convinced a majority of his city council colleagues to pass his latest political theater act over to his mayoral opponent, City Attorney Mike Feuer, to write up this bright idea in such a way that it’s not unconstitutional. The four dissenters, Mike Bonin, Nithya Raman, Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Curren Price, pointed out this needless act of grandstanding. Raman rightly pointed out that blocking any public right-of-way is already illegal as is bike theft, which is what Buckets seems bent on preventing. For all the effort, the proposed law would specifically target one class of people, expend scarce police resources better used elsewhere, while clogging already packed court dockets with quick catch-andrelease misdemeanor cases. Does anyone see the problem with this scenario? This manipulation of public policy toward political ends is reminiscent of Buscaino showing up on the Venice Boardwalk last summer and pointing out homelessness in Bonin’s district while announcing his may-
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oral campaign. It only serves him and doesn’t address the larger problem. A better solution would be to set up bike repair shops at all of the shelters run by Lime Bike and others already littering our sidewalks with sanctioned Gen Z mobilizations. Here’s an opportunity to help the able-bodied and the willing to acquire a skillset and a means to help themselves get off the streets. Of course, a solution such as this is only viable if you are a believer in redemption. Something Buscaino clearly is not. As a former Los Angeles Police Department officer, his knee jerk response to nearly every situation is enforcement first, ask questions later. However, I do understand the frustration of many Angelenos. After a decade of promises and millions spent on promises, it seems like the solutions to the homeless crisis are as elusive as curing poverty in California itself. Are they not one and the same? What is needed are compassion and practicality, both of which seem to be missing in Buscaino’s approach. First you have to meet the homeless crisis head-on with the facts — not fantasy. Homeless people are where they are for a multitude of reasons but the common denominator is that they are all just desperately poor. It is unsafe and unsanitary for them to live on the streets. So let’s confront this as a public health crisis rather than as a crime scene. Provide them with safe, secure and sanitary campsites out of the public right-ofway. Provide services in a centralized area away from neighborhoods and sort out the mentally ill from the drug addicted; and the disabled vets from the just down-on-their-luck people, and get them the help they need. Permanent housing, or institutional care can come later. Some may be saved from the scourge of poverty or addiction, some may not. But I cannot believe that this city with all its wealth can’t do better and take care of what amounts to less than one half of 1% of its residents. This is not the civil society to which I belong, nor is it the one I know exists across this city. Think of the many hundreds of nonprofit organizations who, in their own ways, are a part of solving this humanitarian crisis. Buscaino’s antihomeless measures are both counter to our culture and the current politics of this city. He may get some to follow him down this path of reckless disregard as he promotes his new “law and order” agenda, but it just mustn’t be the policy that ever gets him elected mayor!
“A newspaper is not just for reporting the news as it is, but to make people mad enough to do something about it.” —Mark Twain Vol. XLIII : No. 4
Random Lengths News is a publication of Beacon Light Press, LLC Published every two weeks for the Harbor Area communities of San Pedro, RPV, Lomita, Harbor City, Wilmington, Carson and Long Beach.
Justice Breyer to Retire By Jacob Pickering
After 27 years of praiseworthy public service on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer has announced his retirement from the court, which will reportedly take effect this summer after the Supreme Court’s current term ends. California-born Stephen Breyer’s surprise retirement has sent conservative politicians in Washington, D.C. into a terrified tailspin in their knowledge that the possibility of the Republican Party winning a majority in the U.S. Senate in November has now just come to an end. Too bad for them. Due to the historical pattern of the incumbent U.S. president’s party losing congressional seats in the first mid-term election after that president takes office, combined with the numerous announced retirements of incumbent Democratic U.S. House members, recent redistricting, and extreme congressional gerrymandering by blatantly racist Republican state politicians, it’s probably unlikely at this point that the Democratic Party will be able to maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives after November’s general election. However, all of the time and public tax dollars wasted by racist GOP politicians in Republicancontrolled red states (whose blatantly discriminatory and illegally gerrymandered congressional political maps are being torn up by one court after another) will not have any appreciable impact whatsoever on the outcome of U.S. Senate races in 2022, because statewide U.S. Senate elections can’t be gerrymandered since all voters in any
Columnists/Reporters Publisher/Executive Editor Melina Paris Assistant Editor/Arts James Preston Allen Community News james@randomlengthsnews.com Hunter Chase Reporter Assoc. Publisher/Production Fabiola Esqueda Carson Reporter Coordinator Photographers Suzanne Matsumiya Arturo Garcia-Ayala, Harry Bugarin, Managing Editor Terelle Jerricks, Raphael Richardson, Terelle Jerricks Chris Villanueva editor@randomlengthsnews.com Contributors Mark Friedman, Lyn Jensen, Ari Senior Editor LeVaux, Greggory Moore, Jacob Paul Rosenberg Pickering paul.rosenberg@ randomlengthsnews.com Cartoonists Internship Program Director Andy Singer, Jan Sorensen, Zamná Àvila Matt Wuerker
state get to vote for or against their state’s U.S. Senate candidates. What will impact the 2022 U.S. Senate elections is the fact that the current 6-3 partisan Republican majority on the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to overturn Roe v. Wade prior to this November, which will spell certain political doom for anti-choice Republican U.S. Senate candidates across the country, not just in swing states or in Democratic-controlled blue states. Even red state Republican candidates have much to fear this year from what is sure to become a historically large voter turnout in November by women furiously focused on protecting their right to choose from misogynistic male GOP jurists and from right-wing religious extremist Republican politicians who are personally obsessed with controlling, regulating, and restricting female sexuality at the point of a gun. The Republican Party is going to have some explaining to do to its criminal corporate donors and to its fascist foreign sugar daddies (like Russian kleptocrat Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabian despot Mohammed bin Salman) when 2023 dawns on at least several red states inaugurating Democrats as their new governors, etc. In fact, Justice Breyer’s retirement along with the likely overturning of Roe v. Wade by the current U.S. Supreme Court prior to November will probably result in multiple red states becoming swing states just in time for this year’s general election, not to mention those flipping
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[See Breyer, p. 7]
Address correspondence regarding news items and tips to Random Lengths News, P.O. Box 731, San Pedro, CA 90733-0731, or email: editor@randomlengthsnews.com. Send Letters to the Editor to james@randomlengthsnews.com. To be considered for publication, letters must be signed with address and phone number (for verification purposes) and be about 250 words. For advertising inquiries or to submit advertising copy, email: rlnsales@randomlengthsnews.com. Annual subscription is $40 for 27 issues. Back issues are available for $3/copy while supplies last. Random Lengths News presents issues from an alternative perspective. We welcome articles and opinions from all people in the Harbor Area. While we may not agree with the opinions of contributing writers, we respect and support their 1st Amendment right. Random Lengths News is a member of Standard Rates and Data Services and the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. (ISN #0891-6627). All contents Copyright 2022 Beacon Light Press, LLC. All rights reserved.
RANDOMLetters Re: Profiteering Foreign Shipping Companies Versus U.S. Workers
Frank Ponce De Leon’s editorial on profiteering by the foreign shipping companies is smack on the mark correct. They have used the pandemic as cover to increase shipping prices by 1,000% and more. This can not possibly be justified. Are ship crews paid 10 times more? Longshoremen? Ship builders? Certainly not. Cost of shipping a container from China to the USA, up from $2,000 to $25,000. Why? Can someone answer if the cost from the USA to China is also $25,000? Or it is unchanged? By shipping empty containers from USA to overseas because they make more money faster than shipping USA goods in those containers they have manufactured a VERY profitable crisis. And how much of the very same thing is being done in our USA supply chain by greedy shippers and sellers? The Biden administration needs to look into the profiteering and use Anti-Trust laws to clean this mess up. John Mattson, San Pedro
It Never Ceases to Amaze Me
Near the end of the Super Bowl a conservative sitting at our table asked, “So many people call in sick to work the day after the Super Bowl. [Breyer, from p. 6]
Jacob Pickering is a long time Arcata, California columnist who has been published in news outlets across the United States.
Korea, and Australia combined. As co-founder of The Intercept, I guarantee that we will never surrender to the jingoistic media stampede. Our tenacious team of investigative journalists will interrogate every official claim, challenge the Pentagon’s spin, and
never defer to the conventional wisdom of a foreign policy establishment that has been disastrously wrong over and over and over again. Jeremy Scahill The Intercept Washington, D.C.
Read these online exclusives and more at:
RandomLengthsNews.com California’s Recall Wars:
Legislative Sanity, Donor Madness and Avoiding Unintended Consequences By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor
Patrisse Cullors and Angela Davis:
Imagining an Abolitionist Future By Melina Paris, Assistant Editor
February 17 - March 2, 2022
to blue states in time for the 2024 presidential election (like Texas and Ohio for instance), which will hand a second four-year term in the White House to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Maintaining their current slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives is likely to be a heavy lift for the Democratic Party this year. However, don’t be shocked if the redirection of American voters’ attention towards the U.S. Supreme Court come election time will make fools out of those in the corporate media who have already mindlessly handed victory to the GOP in 2022, without a single vote having been cast yet! “Conventional Wisdom” isn’t wisdom after all, y’all. It’s simply groupthink.
Here we go again. With talk of war in Ukraine rising to a fever pitch, U.S. media outlets are once again beating the drums. We’re told that we’re facing a new Hitler. That this is a “new axis of evil” and a “Cold War 2.0.” That if we don’t “forcefully confront” Putin, it’s “appeasement.” I’ve covered nearly every major U.S. military action since the 1990s, and it’s always the same. The talking heads on cable news are almost drooling over the prospect of a ratings-boosting war. Retired Pentagon officials on the payroll of the defense industry are presented as “experts,” often with no disclosure of their financial conflicts of interest. And once the shooting starts, mainstream pundits will drop any remaining pretense of journalistic integrity and begin openly cheer-
leading for “the troops,” like sports announcers rooting for the home team. Meanwhile, the U.S. is the world’s largest arms dealer and it spends more on “defense” than China, Russia, India, the U.K., Germany, France, Japan, South
Real People, Real News, Really Effective
Breyer
Why don’t they just make it a national holiday?” I had to laugh. Conservatives are lukewarm to Presidents Day. They are downright hostile to the MLK Holiday. And they spasm uncontrollably at the mere mention of making federal election days a holiday (search Paul Weyerich’s quotes on voting “I don’t want everybody to vote,”). [He’s American conservative political activist and commentator] Yet they can come up with something that could be called “National Hangover Day.” Straight out of Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Steve Varalyay, Torrance Steve, I think we should trade them one hangover day for one election day holiday. James Preston Allen, Publisher
Beating the Drums of War
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Manzanar is off the 395 Freeway, in Inyo County on the east side of the Sierra Nevada and southeast of Yosemite National Park. Derek’s father was born there. Derek had to thrived there, known as Fish Harbor. Fish Harbor was entirely man-made. Construc- retrieve his father’s birth certificate when he tion, according to Naomi Hirahara and Geraldine passed away last year. One of his few relatives willing to talk to Knatz, authors of Terminal Island: Lost Communities of Los Angeles Harbor, began in 1915. Based Derek about that period of the family’s history on plans drawn by engineer E.P. Goodrich, Fish was an aunt, who explained that the men parHarbor was built to help separate the shipping and ticularly didn’t like talking about that experifishing industries in the fast-expanding Los Angeles ence. “She would tell me the men wouldn’t talk about it really because they felt ashamed Harbor. The crews of fishermen were primarily Japa- and because they love the U.S.,” Derek exnese born (Issei) or American citizens whose par- plained. “In Japan, you weren’t considered Japaents were Japanese nationals (Nisei). Beginning in nese if you were not born in Japan,” Derek said. “In the United States you weren’t considered American even though you were born here.” They were more willing to talk about their exploits in World War II as members of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, the most highly decorated unit of its size, that fought in the European theater of the war. Derek still has the flyers that were put on the doors announcing the evacuation. Families were only allowed to carry bedding and linen (no mattresses), toiletries, extra clothing for family members and essential personal effects. “You got to take one bag or whatever belonging to you. Then you [and your family] had to get on the bus, and then a train,” Derek said. Japanese Fishing Village Memorial on Terminal Island. Photo by As dark as those moments were, Arturo Garcia-Ayala Derek relayed moments of human the early 1900s, Japanese fishermen were actively kindness and grace that he learned from famrecruited by big canneries on the West Coast be- ily who lived through the experience. In one cause of their skill at catching sardines and the in- case, Derek noted that some soldiers guarding creasingly popular albacore tuna. the camps allowed detainees to go fishing at It is thought that there were some Japanese night at the lake in the back of Manzanar. fishermen in the Los Angeles Harbor by the start “We were very lucky since we had more of the 20th century. There was definitely a Japa- than one grocery store,” Derek explained. nese encampment at Timm’s Point in San Pedro by “We had another grocery store that was on 1912. With the creation of Fish Harbor, canneries, First Street, but before that, my grandmother particularly Van Camp, recruited and hired hun- Aiko was friends with a lot of Caucasians and dreds of Japanese workers, many of whom hailed they saved a lot of stuff for us. And after the from the seaside state of Wakayama in Japan. war, they gave it all back.” The canneries soon built more than 300 houses “It’s very rare. The same thing happened for workers and their families behind the harbor. over here in San Gabriel, there’s a San Gabriel A thriving community of around 2,000 to 3,000 nursery that’s Japanese-owned. They signed souls was born. over the deed to a Caucasian family and when “There was a whole village, with dwellings they came back from the internment camps, akin to barracks where the workers lived before the Japanese family didn’t have the money to the war,” Derek said. get it back. The Caucasian family transferred Derek’s great grandfather, a fisherman, found- the nursery back to the Japanese family withed A. Nakamura Company at 712 Tuna Street. out charge. There were a lot of good people. When fishing season ended, he worked in the store There were a lot of bad. There was a mixture.” with his daughter (Derek’s grandmother, Aiko). “I guess it’s under preservation to some Derek’s father’s generation didn’t talk much extent,” Derek said, referring to the old groabout their experience in the internment camps. cery at 744 Tuna Street. “But the port still Derek would go to Terminal Island and visit the wants to take down all that stuff.” memorial and the old store more than his dad and Derek connected with Gina after she made uncle did. a post that included a picture of Derek’s great But once the memorial at Terminal Island was grandfather on the San Pedro Facebook page erected, Derek regularly took his father to visit. Der- about Terminal Island. ek’s uncle was a member of the Terminal Islanders, “I said, ‘That’s my great grandfather’s a landscaping company, widely known for creating shop!’ From then on we started talking.” Japanese gardens that were popular in the 1970s. That’s when Derek learned Gina was tryThe Nakamuras lived in San Pedro before ing to get what’s left of the buildings on Tuna they were forced to dispose of all possessions they Street preserved. Gina invited Derek to speak couldn’t take with them on a bus or a train. Their at a neighborhood council meeting last year final destination was the internment camp called and he’s been kept in the loop ever since. Manzanar. The Manzanar War Relocation Center “There was a little restaurant, a dry goods was one of ten camps where the U.S. government store, and something else and that’s all that’s incarcerated Japanese immigrants ineligible for left,” Derek explained. “Gina is proposing a citizenship and Japanese American citizens during mural.” [See Terminal Island, p. 13] World War II. [Remembrance, from p. 4]
February 17 - March 2, 2022
Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant
Remembrance
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19th PremierE of LAHIFF Remaining Relevant Amidst a Pandemic By Melina Paris, Assistant Editor
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collective experience augmenting the cultural landscape of and promoting all San Pedro and surrounding areas have to offer residents, visitors, and tourists.” Though the festival is forging ahead with in person programing, Mardesich provided links to view the films via internet and/or home entertainment centers. With the slated closure of the Warner Grand Theatre in June for renovation, this year’s festival screening in the 90-year-old theater is particularly meaningful.
Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute (March 5), The Sound Of Music — presented in 35mm — will be copresented by San Pedro International Film Festival and LAHIFF. The audience is invited to sing along and come dressed as their favorite characters. DocSunday, the closing day of the festival (March 6), is devoted to non-fiction films by NewFilmmakers LA Short Documentary Project at 1 p.m. Followed by film, Eddy’s Story at 2:30 p.m., inspiring account of 100 year old “toy genius” inventor Eddy Goldfarb. The film was produced and directed by Goldfarb’s daughter, Academy Awardnominated filmmaker Lyn Goldfarb. Closing Program F is the world premiere of composite film of oral history project Stories Of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, The Movie – Volumes II & III produced by Mardesich and Jack Baric, who also directs. There will be a Q&A with filmmakers after the screenings. The LAHIFF offers stimulating and entertaining programming that inspires audiences and respects the integrity of the silver screen. As Mardesich contends “the film festival is a way to offer a
DocSunday March 6 Prog. D: New Filmmakers LA Short Documentary Project (no fee) March 3 to 6 only: www.NFMLA.org/LAHIFF2022 March 6 Prog. E: Eddy’s Story (no fee) March 3 to 6 only: https://vimeo.com/453116634 March 6 Prog. F: Stories Of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA) The Movie – Volumes II & III Details: Get tickets at the box office during the day of the program — one hour prior to the program. Veterans and those currently serving in the military complimentary admission; subject to availability — first come, first seated. From March 6, view on website: www.storieslaharborarea.com Time: Various Cost: General admission $10; seniors, students and affiliations $8 — cash only Details: www.laharborfilmfest.com Venue: Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro
February 17 - March 2, 2022
Left: A still from West Side Story, 1961. Right: A still from Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, 2021.
List of films and links to view: March 3 Prog. A RBSM: 10:30 a.m. “real time webinar” Treasure Island https://bit.ly/ RTBSTM2022 Zoom access: 869 4231 1869, no password Link to view: https://tinyurl.com/mrywv4tw March 4 Prog. B: Opening night West Side Story https://tinyurl.com/36fc5rm8 March 5 Prog. C - The Sound Of Music https:// tinyurl.com/yad7hnu6
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olden Age Hollywood films have always been L.A. Harbor International Film Festivals’s niche, highlighting great films going back to the 1940s and 50s to a new generation of of audiences who otherwise would never have been exposed to films like the 1941 film The Maltise Falcon or the 1951 film, Journey to the Center of the Earth. The festival’s founder, Stephanie Mardesich, doubles down on ensuring younger audiences are exposed to such filmmaking via the festival’s Read the Book, See the Movie programming to which the festival donates the books from which the films were adapted to local students. This year’s Read the Book, See the Movie, program features the 1961 film West Side Story, which was itself an adaptation of the 1951 Broadway musical. The screening of the award winning film is a tribute to the film’s Academy Award recipient for Best Supporting Actor George Chakiris and costar Russ Tamblyn. Chakiris recently released his memoir, My West Side Story. The book follows the entirety of Chakiris’ life— before, during and after the film that ultimately earned him an Oscar and a prosperous career. In the book, Chakiris recounts the rich history behind the West Side Story film. The festival’s decision to include West Side Story in this year’s line is timely given the release of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated version of the film. Another Read the Book, See the Movie feature is the 1950 film, Treasure Island, adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel. Mardesich noted the most meaningful aspect of this year’s festival and something “very rare” is LAHIFF is screening two 35mm. prints — Treasure Island and The Sound of Music. Juxtaposed with the live program will be a real time webinar set up for the free education outreach program. Nearly 18,000 free books have been distributed to students and community members since 2004. This year books were again provided by “publishing angel” sponsor Penguin Random House. On the night of the
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February 17 - March 2, 2022
Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant
n Feb. 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted 13-0 to adopt the Restaurant Beverage Program Ordinance, which will make it easier for sit-down restaurants to acquire permits to serve alcohol. According to a document from the city planning website, the new process will take weeks instead of months, and reduce the cost from about $13,000 to about $4,000. However, there are a lot of restrictions — it only applies to restaurants, and there are more than 50 restrictions that must be met. For example, the restaurant can only be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., there can be no live entertainment, and the only music allowed is ambient background music. “The restaurant industry in Los Angeles is one of the most important drivers of our economy,” said Councilman Paul Krekorian, who represents the 2nd District. “It’s one of the most important providers of employment to the people of Los Angeles and it’s a central component of tourism and bringing outside money into Los Angeles.” Krekorian said that the restaurant industry has fallen on hard times, particularly because of the pandemic. However, he also pointed out that the ordinance had been in the works for years. It has been in development since 2017, according to the city clerk’s website. “We’ve been working on a way to try to shorten the time that restaurants need to get open … and provide a full range of services to their customers, while still protecting surrounding neighborhoods,” Krekorian said. Krekorian said that under the ordinance, restaurant owners agree to a set of conditions that are already stronger than the ones typically
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New Law Will Make it Easier for Restaurants to Serve Alcohol By Hunter Chase, Community News Reporter
required. These include security standards, such as security cameras, a complaint log and the removal of graffiti and litter. In addition, participating restaurants must take part in an inspection program. Jorge Castillo, advocacy director for Alcohol Justice, said that the Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance objected to this ordinance for many reasons, which were spelled out in a letter. The ordinance will no longer require public input when going through the alcohol permit process, and The interior of San Pedro Brewing Company. File photo there will no longer be any California Environmental Quality Act dramatically over-concentrated with alcohol review, public hearing or appeals. businesses, 300% over what’s recommended “Public health data show LA is already in many areas,” said Sarah Blanch, co-chair of the LA Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance. “The county spends $10 billion annually managing alcohol-related problems, and this new measure will make it much worse with no controls.” Castillo said the alliance requested plenty of changes to make the ordinance safer, but most were ignored. One was to make sure that 20 seats were required in order for a business to count as a sit-down restaurant — but this was lowered to 10. Another was to not allow happy hours at the restaurants that used the ordinance, as this encourages customers to drink more heavily. The alliance also requested a program that would help local community members open restaurants in their communities, as well as ensure a percentage of restaurants open in communities be founded by residents. This was also ignored by the city council. In addition, the alliance asked for stricter accountability for businesses that broke rules.
Under the current system, a restaurant needs three citations in two years to lose its permit. The alliance asked for just three citations in one year, or if a felony was committed on the premises, the permit should be removed immediately. Castillo said that Krekorian pushed for restaurants to be allowed to have 45% of their sales be from alcohol, which is what the final ordinance states. “Forty-five percent is really high,” Castillo said. “If half of your sales are alcohol and you’re a restaurant, that’s problematic. Then you’re selling too much, and it’s not really a restaurant at that point. … It’s like a bar that’s selling food.” The alliance pushed for 30% instead, which Castillo said was more reasonable — but he acknowledged that enforcing this would be difficult, no matter what the percentage was. “A lot of these conditions are not enforceable,” Castillo said. “And they’re not going to enforce them. So the best thing to do is not even have [the ordinance].” Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who represents the 4th District, said that Los Angeles is one of the most difficult cities in the country to open a restaurant. “Our current process of permitting the sale of alcohol at restaurants … stacks the deck against small, independent restaurants,” Raman said. “Because you have to have so much capital and so many connections in order to go through the incredibly lengthy process; and the incredibly expensive process; and a process which demands a huge amount of political wrangling to get a conditional use permit.” Krekorian said there have been several compromises to the ordinance, including making the ordinance an opt-in program. “Members who want to participate in this will need to submit a resolution to be able to optin to the program,” Krekorian said. “That also provides us with an opportunity to ensure that if particular neighborhoods are not interested in this program, they will not participate.” While a full menu is required, this does not prevent customers from picking up or ordering alcohol, even if they aren’t buying any food. This is because of Senate Bill 389, which was passed by the state in October 2021. This was a point of contention among some public commenters, including Charles Porter, of the United Coalition East Prevention Project. “We’re still concerned about a process to fast-track alcohol sales in a time of rampant alcohol substance abuse,” Porter said. “SB 389, which was recently passed by the state, allows all restaurants to sell a bottle and can to go, without food, for the next five years. That completely changes the spirit and scope of this program, which was originally envisioned as allowing alcohol sales in sit-down family restaurants.” The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce did not respond in time to comment on this story.
Migración On View and On Minds at MS Gallery Humans set down roots and humans migrate. Both are innate. Yet, leaving our roots is sometimes forced upon us, as in the case of refugees. The exhibition Weaving Bridges and Bringing Down Walls asks unforgivingly what circumstances make humans migrate and what are the conditions that attract them toward new regions and opportunities. MS Gallery Curatorial text reads — “exhibi-
By Melina Paris, Assistant Editor
tions that ‘dwell’ in one of the main problems of human existence are always understood better as a collective show.” “Migration is mostly a monumental communal effort,” it continues. “A sea of people on the go, many times blindly and helplessly moving towards a promised land.” Weaving Bridges and Bringing Down Walls was originally planned two years ago. The pan-
Palos Verdes Art Center WATER, EARTH & FIRE
Details: 310-541-2479; www.pvartcenter.org Venue: 5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes
[See Bridges, p. 12]
Michael Stearns Studio@The Loft SHIFTING GROUND MIRABEL WIGON
Vortex by Mirabel Wigon
Mirabel Wigon’s paintings are inspired by her immediate surroundings and address the abject setting of the aging industrial landscape, the growing expanse of the American urban-scape and the resulting environmental issues. They depict an imagined and constructed landscape which is fractured and unstable. Artist’s reception, March 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. Artist’s talk March 5 at 1 p.m., which will be also be broadcast via Instagram Live on the artist’s Instagram handle @mirabelwigon. Shifting Ground will be on view March 3 to April 14. Details: www.michaelstearnsstudio.com Venue: Michael Stearns Studio@The Loft, 401 S. Mesa St., San Pedro.
Ko-Ryu Ramen
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Palos Verdes Art Center presents Water, Earth & Fire, an exhibition celebrating ceramics as a powerful creative force and an expressive mode of communication. The show is organized in two thematic sections: first is the history of the outstanding and progressive instruction of the PVAC ceramics programs. This legacy is chronicled through works created by former and current instructors and workshop leaders, many of whom achieved international acclaim, including Philip Cornelius, Rosaline Delisle, Vivika and Otto Heino, Yoshiro Ikeda, Elaine Katzer, Harrison McIntosh, Adrian Saxe, Peter Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Bleached Coral Shire and Anna Silver. The Hanging Chandelier, 2018, 36 x 35 inches second theme is water, diameter. Ceramics, aircraft cable, LED puck a collection of works by lights invited artists whose innovative work addresses the theme of water in its many manifestations and mythologies. Jo Lauria, guest curator. Opening reception Feb. 26 6 to 9 p.m. The show runs through April 16.
demic issued more delays but the exhibit was sustained via help from women throughout Latin America. Mónica Romero Dávila, print master and founder of the Taller Gráfico La Muñeca in Guadalajara, Mexico, gathered eight printmakers from her own studio. Together they created this project. Jandra Pagani/Voces del Faro (Voices from the Lighthouse is her surname), a Uruguayan curator and friend of artist curator Allejandra
Schneider, acted as liaison between MS Gallery and Dávila to help the exhibition finally make its way to the U.S. The exhibition sheds a necessary light on migration. Each of its 17 works tower in expression. Named for its subject, Migracion, linocut on paper by Delores Romero, haunts viewers upon entry to the gallery. A human skull in black and white fills its frame, supported both under and alongside by two hands, its front teeth and nose are missing. It becomes a perch for a red
362 W. 6th St. San Pedro 90731 310-935-2886
koryuramen.com Koi Ramen
February 17 - March 2, 2022
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MUSIC Feb. 19
Albert Cummings Cummings is opening with Rebecca Lynn. Blues-guitar wizard and singer, Cummings has worked with Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band Double Trouble and will deliver a blazing blues-rock live show. Time: 8 p.m., Feb. 19 Cost: $23 and up Details: https://grandvision.org/ event/albert-cummings/ Venue: Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro
Feb. 20
Catatonic This show has high energy original music with improvised solos based on jazz harmony with funk rhythms. Per LA Health Department regulations, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required at the door. Time: 4 p.m., Feb. 20 Cost: $20 Details: www.alvasshowroom. com/events Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
Feb. 24
Duane Allen Quartet CD Release Party The Duane Allen Quartet is releasing new music entitled Empty Streets, featuring all new original compositions by the guitarist. The compositions and playing represent a modern approach to straight ahead jazz. Time: 8 p.m., Feb. 24 Cost: $20 Details: www.alvasshowroom. com/events Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
Feb. 25
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Keiko Matsui With her unique musical formula that blends Asian and Western influences, keyboardist Keiko Matsui has easily become one of Billboard’s number one female contemporary jazz figures. Time: 8 p.m., Feb. 25 Cost: $40 to $70 Details: 562-916-8500; www.cerritoscenter.com Venue: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos
Feb. 26
SPIKE Alley Cats, Toys That Kill, The Wrinkling Brothers, mike watt + the missingmen and Jason Paul & The Know It Alls perform at The Sardine. It’s been a little over a year since the release of the wellreceived SPIKE: San Pedro compilation. Time: 6 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: $10 Details: www.thesardinepedro. com Venue: The Sardine, 1101 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro Mara Kaye Kaye delivers old style acoustic blues specializing in the songs of Bessie Smith, the Smith Sisters and more. She is joined by boogie-woogie piano legend Carl Sonny Leyland, Jon Atkinson and Tim McNalley. Time: 8 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: $23 and up Details: https://grandvision.org/ event/mara-kaye/ Venue: Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro Incendio Incendio brings together nuevo flamenco, blues, jazz, classical and Middle Eastern influences to its explosive original music. Its instrumental approach has been captured across 11 albums since the year 2000. Time: 8 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: $20 Details: www.alvasshowroom. com/events Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
March 4
Caro Pierotto and Wagner Trindade The tropics come to San Pedro for this show by two accomplished artists who perform original music with elements of samba, bossa nova and jazz. Time: March 4 Cost: $20 to $30 Details: www.tinyurl. com/2p8t6sr5 Venue: Collage, 731 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro
THEATER Feb. 17
Pick of the Vine An exciting night of entertainment
[Bridges, from p. 11]
Bridges
butterfly. Dark hollows where anatomy is gone become balanced by this soul’s own migration from one state to another, as from the chrysalis to a beautiful winged creature. Sin fronteras, or ‘without borders,’ etching on paper by Marissela Esqueda, depicts a silhouetted line of three migrating elephants guided by the light of a golden hemisphere over tarred black earth. The massive land mammals know no borders, just as their similarly warm-blooded human relations intrinsically do not. Mexico’s history of printmaking is the oldest in Latin America, with the first presses established there in the 16th century. The tradition has continued through to modern day inspired by “the three greats” Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente and David Alfaro Siqueiros, and more recently, Raul Anguiano. All of the artists featured work in multiple mediums. MS curator Jorge Schneider said this is common in Mexico, to see artists who work in mysticism as well as technology, in 12 murals and digital, or sculpture and poetry.
February 17 - March 2, 2022
Video Art + Film Festival, where longer than 60-sec films will be virtually screened for a long weekend. Among 120 submissions, 12 were selected to be virtually screened on ESMoA’s website. In February, ESMoA will be screening two documentaries about love: Bubby & Them by Hazel Katz, Je’Jae Cleopatra Daniels (USA) and Ishq-e-Risk by Rupal Poddar (India). Time: 3 p.m., Feb. 17 and 8 p.m. Feb. 20 Cost: Free Details: esmoa.org Venue: Online
Editor’s Note: Due to the current COVID-19 surge in the Los Angeles area, please be advised to check ahead to confirm if events will still be happening before purchasing tickets. awaits you in these seven short plays hand-picked by Little Fish Theater from authors across the country. Proof of vaccination is required for entrance. Time: 2 or 8 p.m., Feb. 17 to 20, Feb. 24 to 27 Cost: $25 to $30 Details: 310-512-6030; www.littlefishtheatre.org/pond/ Venue: Little Fish Theater, 777 S. Centre St., San Pedro
Feb. 25
The Great Wildcat Jackson Wildcat Jackson is the self-proclaimed monarch of the west. With his silly yet edgy brand of comedy magic, he entertains as an oldwest showman in a modern world. Time: 2 and 8 p.m., Feb. 25, 26 and 2 p.m., Feb. 27 Cost: $15 Details: https://tinyurl.com/thegreat-wildcat Venue: Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach
Feb. 27
The Andrews Brothers A USO performance from the Andrews Sisters is in jeopardy when they fail to appear shortly before curtain. Thankfully, three earnest stagehands are determined to go on with the show. Time: Feb. 11 to Feb. 27 Cost: $20 Details: 562-856-1999; www.musical.org Venue: Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 W. Atherton St.,
The vast diversity within Mexico, derived from long-standing traditions, has allowed artistic expression to go in many directions in terms of inspiration and practice. Humans will see migration en masse through this century as the earth warms and strange weather patterns like El Niño multiply. Southern hemispheres are becoming hotter, more arid and rainfall and crop yields are decreasing. As refugees embark on exodus from areas like the Middle East and North Africa into Europe and from Central America into the United States, we see anti-immigrant backlash in these developed nations. Weaving Bridges and Bringing Down Walls speaks to this plight. It makes us think about the walls that have been erected and opens the mind to what the alternatives can be. Shown through nine women artists, curator Jorge Schneider writes “the artist strives to weave bridges in our collective mind, forcing us to demolish our preconceived walls.” Time: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: www.msartgallery.com; 562-246-7915 Venue: MS Art Gallery: 366 W. 7th St., San Pedro
Long Beach.
ART
Feb. 17
Stuart Hamilton: Earthly Meditations This exhibit includes more than 50 works made during the late artist’s 10-year history at the center. Earthly details taken out of context — stones, sticks, and bone fragments — are arranged in geometric patterns reflecting a sense of order in a meditative process that carefully considers the natural world. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 17 to Feb. 20 Cost: Free Details: www.angelsgateart.org Venue: Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro
Feb. 24
Take A Closer Look See a survey of work by Laura Stickney and collaborative book works with Vilma Mendillo. Enjoy an artist’s talk at 1 p.m. March 1. The exhibit runs through April 29. Time: 7 to 9 p.m., Feb. 24 Cost: Free Details: 310-660-3010; www.elcamino.edu Venue: El Camino College Art Gallery, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance
Feb. 26
Water, Earth & Fire Water, Earth & Fire, with 110 artworks by 39 artists, celebrates ceramics as a powerful creative force and expressive mode of communication. The exhibition runs until April 16. Time: 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: Free Details: 310-541-2479; www.pvartcenter.org Venue: 5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking? The exhibit began with imaginative titles concealed inside fortune cookies. The artists created works inspired by the titles they randomly received, and then lyrics were created inspired by the images, and songs were composed based around the lyrics. The exhibition ends Feb. 28. Time: Reception, 4:30 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: Free Details: https://www.pvld.org/artinourlibrary/calendar Venue: Malaga Cove Library, Gallery Room, 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates
FILM
Feb. 17
BLUE/S Screening Series — Love & Blue/s The BLUE/S Screening Series is a spin-off of the 2021 ESMoA
COMMUNITY Feb. 17
Celebrating Lunar New Year Lunar New Year is observed by over 1 billion people around the world, including — but not limited to! — Chinese communities. Here are some ways to learn more about how Chinese immigrants helped shape Rancho Los Cerritos and the Southern California region during the 19th century. Details: Virtual exhibit: https://tinyurl.com/building-California,
Feb. 18
LA Made, Your Author Series The Los Angeles Public Library will be virtually hosting Misty Copeland, the first Black woman promoted to the principal dancer position in the American Ballet Theater company’s 75-year history. She’ll be discussing her new middle-grade non-fiction book, Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy, followed up by audience Q&A. Time: 4 p.m., Feb. 18 Cost: Free Details: https://tinyurl. com/2p9y9f3c Venue: Online
Feb. 19
Outdoor Volunteer Day at White Point Nature Preserve Get outdoors and make a difference by helping the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy remove invasive grasses to enable rare coastal sage scrub habitat to thrive as a home of local native plants and wildlife. Time: 9 a.m., Feb. 19 Cost: Free Details: 310-544-5260; https:// pvplc.volunteerhub.com/ Location: At the end of Ocean Trails Reserve (East Bluff and Gnatcatcher Trails)
Feb. 20
How to Grow a Cocktail Inspired Garden Join a spirited afternoon that will have you thinking outside of the typical garden bed with “How to Grow a Cocktail Inspired Garden” class on Feb. 20. This class will be held outdoors. Time: 2 p.m., Feb. 20 Cost: $40 to $50 Details: 424-452-0920; https:// tinyurl.com/cocktail-garden Venue: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula
Feb. 25
Saving the Oceans and Ourselves One Island at a Time Dr. Gregory S. Stone is an internationally recognized ocean scientist, explorer, author and conservationist. Dr. Stone will explain how the ocean works as our primary life support system and delve into the dangerous shifts he sees in this vital network due to climate change. Time: 7 p.m., Feb. 25 Cost: Free Details: https://tinyurl. com/26wc66v6
Venue: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro
Feb. 26
AltaSea Open House Join an open house featuring Energy Independence Now CEO Brian Goldstein. Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: Free Details: If you can’t make the event in-person, join via livestream at 10:45 a.m. https:// youtu.be/4Sh0WlHgAXg Venue: AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, 2451 Signal St., Berth 58, San Pedro San Pedro City Ballet Winter 2022 Fundraiser Gala Join this fundraising event for San Pedro’s own ballet theater. Time: 6 p.m., Feb. 26 Cost: $75 per person Details: 310-732-1861; www.SanPedroCityBallet.org Venue: Michaels Tuscany Room, 470 W. 7th St., San Pedro Family Nature Club: Whales Join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for the next Virtual Family Nature Club and swim into the topic of whales. Learn about local migrating whales and do a whale-ly fun craft. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Time: 9 a.m. Feb. 26 Cost: Free Details: https://pvplc.org/event/ fncfec26/ Venue: Online Preserving the History of Japanese Farming on the Peninsula and Greater South Bay Join a joint PVLD and American Association of University Women program with presentations on the Japanese farming history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and efforts to preserve the broader history of Japanese agriculture in the South Bay region. Registration is required. Email aauwtorrance@ gmail.com for the Zoom link. Time: 10 to 11 a.m., Feb. 26 Cost: Free Details: https://tinyurl.com/Japanese-Agriculture-PVP Venue: Zoom African American Festival The annual African American Festival will feature music, dance, storytelling, historical displays and the annual Heritage Award presentation. The Aquarium of The Pacific will also announce the recipients of its 2022 African American Scholar Program. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 26 and 27 Cost: Free Details: www.www.aquariumofpacific.org/african_american_festival Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
Feb. 27
LA and LB Mayoral and LA County Sheriff Candidates Forum Hosted by the San Pedro Democratic Club, the Muslim Democratic Club of Southern California, and the ILWU Southern California District Council. This is a free community event, tickets are required due to COVID-19 requirements. Use the link below to obtain a ticket. Time: 12 p.m, Feb. 27 Cost: Free Details: https://tinyurl. com/2p8fpu4n Venue: Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro
Marguerite “Jerry” Pusey Sept. 22, 1927-Dec. 23, 2021
A lifetime resident of Los Angeles and Palos Verdes. Preceded in death by husband Charles A. Pusey, Jr. (one time RLN columnist), son Joseph Pusey, granddaughter Maggy and great grandson Phoenix. “Jerry” raised six children to whom she taught the love of reading, the responsibility of fighting for social justice and peace, and the belief in magic. She also passed her passions to her 19 grandchildren, 22 greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild, who all adored her. Not only did she have a huge biological family, but she was a surrogate mother and grandmother to many.
She also found the time and love to rescue many beloved poodles. Jerry was the life of the party. She loved to sing, dance and ride roller coasters. She was a fabulous storyteller and everyone who knew her knows the great love story between her and her husband, Charley, whom she met when she was a waitress and he was a sailor during WWII. They are together now, singing. “Sometimes in singing, we find the beginning again.” Jerry is magic. Jerry is loved. Celebration of life at 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Wigwam Lodge in San Pedro.
[Terminal Island, from p. 8]
Terminal Island
Derek likes the idea, but hopes something more can be done — like a museum. “Since they have the statues there with the mural and their names there telling the story of the Japanese fishing village there, I was thinking we could turn it into a small museum.” Derek imagined the possibilities for a moment: “If we could have a docent tour through all those buildings and have all the artifacts and information about Terminal Island, you know, people could learn more about it and understand … The first step is just keeping it.” But monied interests don’t want us to keep it. They prefer that our memory becomes washed out and erased. It makes it that much easier to restrict our imaginations and limit our claims to all belongs to us as citizens.
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PEDRO PET PALS is the only group that raises funds for the City Animal Shelter and FREE vaccines and spay or neuter for our community. 310-991-0012.
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02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 03/03/2022
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022017598 The following person is doing business as 1) THE HABITS, 2111 S. Cabrillo Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Sheridan Wolf Bradley, 2111 S. Cabrillo Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731. This Business is conducted by an Individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 01/2022. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Sheridan Wolf Bradley,
owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 01/26/2022. Notice--In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920 where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not in itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights
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The animals at the Harbor Animal Shelter have ongoing need for used blankets, comforters, pet beds.* Drop off at Harbor Animal Shelter 957 N. Gaffey St.,San Pedro • 888-452-7381, x 143 PLEASE SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET! *In any condition. We will wash and mend.
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“The Birthday Game”— not the right calendar section.
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ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 22LBCP00026 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Petition of: Anthony Alexander Ernesto Bernal TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ANTHONY ALEXANDER ERNESTO BERNAL filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Ratboy Alexander Ka-Thish The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: 03-15-22, Time: 8:30 am, Dept.: 26, Room: The address of the court is 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Daily Commerce and RLn. Date Jan. 28, 2022 Michael P. Vicencia
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RLNews is looking for freelance food and music writers who are knowledgeable about San Pedro and Long Beach area restaurants, culture and music scenes. Experienced writers preferred, but will consider aspiring bloggers. We are looking for writers who have a curiosity for a wide range of cuisines or music in the greater LA / Long Beach Harbor Area. Committment to writing to deadline is a must. Having a strong social media following and bi-lingual skills is a plus. Submit inquiries and any links to your writing to editor@ randomlengthsnews.com or call 310-519-1442 weekdays.
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1 Rootless aquatic plant 5 “Don’t make me laugh!” 8 Steve Irwin exclamation 14 Mario Kart character 15 Modern prefix with tourism 16 Emu or ostrich, e.g. 17 “The $64,000 Question” emcee born one month too late? 19 “The Audacity of Hope” family 20 Have ___ of mystery 21 Hanna-Barbera feline 23 Ready to leave the queue 25 One of many during 2021 for “Jeopardy!” 26 Mike the Tiger’s sch. 29 Like some ciders 30 “Green Acres” costar Eva 32 Godparent, sometimes 33 “Fences” playwright born four months too soon? 36 Tennis variation 39 2018 Hannah Gadsby stand-up special with quite a few serious moments 40 “Mad Men” actress born ... in exactly the right month? 42 Take ___ (lose money) 43 Purchasing agent 44 Onyx or opal 47 College maj. for instrumentalists
48 Tabletop gamer, stereotypically 50 Unlikely to fall over 52 Girl with a flock 54 “___ Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts song) 55 Leo’s home? 58 Queen guitarist/astrophysicist born two months too late? 60 Mission to the moon 61 French dressing ingredient no longer regulated by the FDA 62 Frigid finish 63 Most bleached out 64 T-shirt size that may cost slightly more 65 SFO listings
DOWN
1 Convenient 2 Ride while you wait for repairs 3 Andromeda, for one 4 Fess up 5 “I’m with ___” (2016 campaign slogan) 6 Bank holding, briefly 7 Sounds from mall Santas 8 Holey footwear 9 Morocco’s capital 10 “Let’s just leave ___ that” 11 Family that runs the “Convenience” store in a Canadian sitcom 12 Greek vowel 13 “That’s pretty much it”
18 Rocket, in the U.S. 22 Surname of Roth’s complainer 24 Alerter of the 2000s 26 Deadly sin 27 Little twerp 28 “Reader” whose last print edition was in 2019 31 Industrious sort 32 Taproom orders 33 Push up against 34 Decreases 35 Newtonian topic 36 Late performer who once dated Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore 37 “Hawaii Five-O” setting 38 Les Etats-___ 41 Bar fixture 44 Wallace’s dog 45 Composer Grieg 46 “Aaagh! That’s way too bright!” 48 Count for MLS or NHL games 49 Disney World attraction 51 Arm bones 52 Liver secretion 53 Grand ___ (auto race) 55 Anti-mosquito device sound 56 ___-Locka, Florida 57 U.S. currency 59 Not feeling so good
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE, COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP
On June 7, Let’s tell the Los Angeles Political Machine and its cronies who the next District 15 Councilmember will be — Don’t let them tell us.
I am Anthony Santich and I am running to be your next City Councilmember.
VOTE FOR
ANTHONY SANTICH JUNE 7th
FOR LA CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 15
Anthony Santich will provide innovative and courageous leadership needed to solve the issues that affect the quality of life for all in CD 15:
P Housing the homeless: We have the compassion, now
we need the political commitment to solve homelessness. This is a complex issue, but first we need practical solutions NOW to get people off the streets, then we can go to work on a comprehensive approach to help the homeless and prevent homelessness in the future.
P Increase public safety and reduce crime: We need
to fund our police but we can do even better. We should fund and develop innovative community-based programs that integrate social workers and mental health care professionals with policing efforts. Working together we can make our neighborhoods safer. Port and shipping lines accountable to our District and its Union Workers, especially during these times of record profits and increased ship pollution.
Learn more at AnthonySantich.com
February 17 - March 2, 2022
P Environmental/Port Accountability: We must hold the © 2022 Paid for by Anthony Santich for City Council 2022, FPPC #1443678, 2253 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732. Additional information is available at Ethics.lacity.org.
Real People, Real News, Really Effective
No other candidate in this race is as uniquely qualified as I am to take on the challenges of our District. With my 20+ years of community volunteer service, my time as marketing manager at the Port of Los Angeles, and my 13 years of success as an executive for one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, I have the insight, the knowledge and the ability to raise millions of dollars and create real jobs for the 15th District.
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February 17 - March 2, 2022
Real People, Real News, Totally Relevant