The Johnsons of the LAWA respond to criticism of West Harbor development p. 2 Councilmember Pearce calls out Long Beach on transparency, energy priorities p. 5 Long Beach Opera commissions new classical music to fundraise for 2021 p. 11
3-Part Series:
Project Censored’s Top Stories Show Missing Patterns in Corporate News
By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor
Real News, Real People, Really Effective
EDITOR’S NOTE: Every year since 1976, Project Censored has performed an invaluable service — shedding light on the most significant news that’s somehow not fit to print. Censorship in an authoritarian society is obvious, from a distance, at least: there is a central agent or agency responsible for it, and the lines are clearly drawn. That’s not the case in America, yet some stories rarely, if ever see the light of day — such as stories about violence against Native American women and girls, even though four out of five of them experience violence at some point in their lives, overwhelmingly at the hands of non-Native perpetrators.
“I wouldn’t say that we’re more vulnerable, I’d say that we’re targeted,” Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne descendant and executive director of the Sovereign Bodies Institute, told The Guardian. “It’s not about us being vulnerable victims, it’s about the system being designed to target and marginalize our women.” And the media erasure of their stories is part of that same system of targeting and marginalization. While journalists everyday work hard to expose injustices, they work within a system where some injustices are so deeply baked in that stories exposing them are rarely told — and even more rarely expanded upon to give them their proper due. That’s where Project Censored comes in. “The primary purpose of Project Censored is to explore and publicize the extent of news censorship in our society by locating stories about significant issues of which the public should be aware, but is not, for a variety of reasons,” founder, Carl Jensen, wrote on its 20th anniversary. Thus, the list of censored stories that is the centerpiece of its annual book, State of the Free Press | 2021 doesn’t just help us to see individual stories we might otherwise have missed. It helps us see patterns — patterns of censorship, of stories suppressed, and patterns of how those stories fit together. [See Censored, p. 6]
COVID-19 Cases in the U.S. as of Nov. 23, 2020: 12,724,507 • Deaths: 263,421 • LA County cases: 364,520 COVID-19 Health Alert, see p. 9
November 24 - December 2, 2020
Illustration by Anson Stevens-Bollen, Santa Fe Reporter
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Community Announcements:
Harbor Area Port of Long Beach to Host Rail Project Quarterly Meeting
The public can receive the latest updates on the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility Program during a virtual meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 2. The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility is the centerpiece of the Port of Long Beach’s $1 billion rail program. It will shift more cargo to “on-dock rail,” where containers are moved to and from marine terminals by rail, significantly reducing trips by trucks throughout the region. No cargo trucks would visit the facility. Instead, smaller train segments would be brought to the facility and joined together into a full-sized train. The first arrival, departure and storage tracks are expected to be completed in 2024, with additional tracks coming online in 2030, followed by project completion in 2031. The meeting password is “PierB.” The meeting will be recorded and posted at the Pier B project page for those unable to attend. Details: www.polb.com/pierb.
Caring For Your Mental Health
If you or a family member are in need of mental wellness support during the pandemic, use the free resources from LA County’s Department of Mental Health, accessible in multiple languages. Call the 24/7 Help Line at 800-854-7771 to speak with a professional providing mental health support, resources and referrals. Details: https://dmh.lacounty.gov?/mental-health
Free Child Care for Essential Workers and Low-income Families
Los Angeles County approved $15 million of CARES Act funding for childcare vouchers to support essential workers and low-income families through Dec. 30. Details: www.child-care-alliancee=govdelivery
Long Beach Offers Combination COVID-19 and Flu Tests
November 24 - December 2, 2020
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
Long Beach is offering free combination flu and COVID-19 tests by appointment at city-run testing locations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep the community safe during flu season. Administering this dual test will help people, especially those with symptoms, seek the right care for their condition. The dual test is no different for the test-taker than the City’s current COVID-19 test; it simply tests for both COVID-19 and Influenza A/B using a single swab. Details: 562-570-INFO (4636).
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City of Carson Extends Emergency Rental Assistance
The City of Carson is extending its onetime Emergency Rental Assistance or ERA to individuals and families renting in Carson and financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic until the funds are exhausted. The financial assistance is available for up to a maximum of $10,000 and based on actual need for monthly rent payment, and does not have to be repaid. City Council staff has been directed to assist Carson renters directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have developed the following rental assistance program for renters. To qualify for participation in the Rental Assistance Program, residential renters must meet all of the following criteria: • Must be a residential renter in the City of Carson. • Must have a current and valid lease or proof or rent payment history. • Renter must demonstrate financial hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is only eligible to residential renters and is not available to commercial, industrial or other types of business-related tenants. Details: www.carson.ca.us/rental-assistance or 310-233-4829. [See Announcements, p. 4]
Committed to Independent Journalism in the Greater LA/LB Harbor Area for More Than 40 Years
Community Responds to West Harbor Project By Hunter Chase, Reporter
The West Harbor development project, formerly called the San Pedro Public Market, will begin construction in 2021. Formerly the site of Ports O’Call, the new site promises to have restaurants and live entertainment. When exactly construction will start depends on the availability of restaurants that will be leasing property at the site, as well as how quickly the developers can secure the needed financing, said Alan Johnson, CEO of Jerico Development. Jerico Development and Ratkovich Co. are developing the project. Both are part of the LA Waterfront Alliance. Alan Johnson, who spoke at the Nov. 16 meeting of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council, said he hopes that construction will be underway by mid-2021. Construction should take about a year to complete, followed by about six months of tenant improvement works. Johnson said the name “San Pedro Public Market” could not be used because of a legal challenge from one of the tenants on the site of the project, probably the San Pedro Fish Market. “Concerns of litigation regarding the intellectual infringement property grew,” Johnson said. “We didn’t want to get into a dispute regarding the name as we’re making a really substantial investment in marketing.” Another reason was that the project’s initial plans included a 12,000 square foot public market space at the center, but there was not sufficient foot traffic for that. “The pandemic was the final confirmation that small, crowded indoor spaces just weren’t a good idea at this time,” he said. Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council board member Louis Dominguez said he was not happy that the new name did not have “San Pedro” in it. “Every harbor in the United States has a west harbor, pretty much,” Dominguez said. “Even if you said ‘West Harbor at Los Angeles Port,’ I’d
Rendering of the West Harbor project when it was known as the San Pedro Public Market. Construction will begin in 2021. Photo courtesy of Jerico Development
still like to see the San Pedro name somewhere in there.” While it won’t have a public market, the project will have small food and beverage operations. They will be in a container kitchen, in a large outdoor area, filled with repurposed shipping containers, near a large stage and dance floor. Johnson went on to say it will have entertainment programs seven days a week. The project will potentially have a tower that serves as a rotating observation deck and bar, but would need to go through an environmental review first. Lauren Johnson, a representative of Jerico Development and Alan Johnson’s daughter, said the project will have playgrounds, dog parks, public art and recreation spaces. She said the completed project will be a district for shopping,
Meet The Whale & Ale’s New Owners
Andrew Silber, right, greets the new owners of The Whale & Ale, who are from Long Beach. Martin O’ Sullivan, originally from Ireland and his wife Susan, from Chicago are excited about carrying on the decades-long traditions and cuisine of this San Pedro landmark. The only changes they anticipate are the addition of a few Irish touches to this British Isle pub. This changing of the guard took nearly a full year to complete because of renovations and the COVID-19 pandemic. Silber is looking forward to retirement but will be around for a while to see that the transition happens smoothly. Photo by Arturo Garcia-Ayala.
playing, eating and waterside activities. It will have public art projects, and San Pedro community festivals, as well as concerts. The developers are currently in discussion with several businesses for leasing at the site, including Gladstone’s and Albrights. Lauren Johnson said there will be a mix of cheap and expensive dining options. “We really want there to be something for everybody and with the container kitchens you’ll have a big flexibility of options,” she said. “More variety, I think, than currently exists or had existed on site.” There will be a few retail spaces as well, but the focus is on food and entertainment, Alan Johnson said. He said the project has 375,000 square feet, but the developers are only initially working on the first 60,000 square feet. “There’s a lot of things we can do in the future in subsequent phases,” he said. The project will also include a 6,200-seat outdoor amphitheater owned by Nederlander. The amphitheater was one of the more controversial aspects of the design, as many community members at the meeting complained about the noise it would generate. “You have the speakers from this huge Greek Theater amphitheater facing the U.S.S. Iowa, what will blow us out seven days a week,” said community member James Campeau. Campeau said that all the speakers should be facing east, toward Terminal Island, as there isn’t anyone living there. “You’re going to blast us out every night,” Campeau said. “Then we’re going to have to move because we’re not down there partying every night, where everybody from LA is hopefully coming here and spending money. But we live here, we’re a working community and we need to get some sleep.” However, Alan Johnson said the 7-days-aweek entertainment would be in the container kits and would be small, akin to the Fish Market’s current live entertainment. He said the amphitheater would only be in operation about [See West Harbor, p. 3]
Holiday Opportunities to Give Back By Melina Paris, Editorial Assistant
The year 2020 has put us all to the test. But people have shown compassion and resolve amid all the struggles, from a pandemic, unemployment, an election year and mass demonstrations. As the year closes, Random Lengths News shares ways to give back to communities that are still in need. Here are some organizations in need of support.
Cash gifts: The simplest way to give, by check or credit card. Gifts can be given in gratitude for care, or in honor of a special occasion. And they are tax deductible.
Los Angeles Maritime Institute The Los Angeles Maritime Institute or LAMI’s TopSail Youth Program is offered yearround, free of charge to students from underresourced schools and youth organizations in San Pedro and Wilmington, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Since its founding in 1992, LAMI has served more than 60,000 at-risk youth in low-income communities throughout Los Angeles County. Its “reduced cost” program is offered to any school or youth group with limited ability to pay, thanks to the support of corporate sponsors, foundations and individual donors. To make a contribution to the day-to-day funding of the Institute go to, www.paypal.com/ donate/lami.
Legacy gifts: A charitable gift as distribution from your estate to a charitable organization through your will. Details: www.harborinterfaith.org
A Needy Wilmington A Needy Wilmington created a collaborative community effort and awareness that brings together businesses, schools, colleges, clubs, organizations and numerous individuals and families from both inside and outside of the community to collect, prepare and serve hot meals to those in need. In addition, clothing, toys
Harbor Interfaith Services Community groups, foundations, companies and individuals support Harbor Interfaith Services with many types of gifts in a variety of sizes:
Employers matching gifts: Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match or increase charitable contributions made by their employees.
and toiletries are donated and distributed to those that attend to help improve the quality of life for those in need. Text 90744 to 44321 to make a donation on your smartphone device Details: https://aneedywilmington-donate Toberman Neighborhood Center Toberman Neighborhood Center continues to bring life changing services to the community. Toberman needs help to spread the word to those most in need of its services, to donate food to its pantry, donate your time, or make a monetary donation to ensure its services go uninterrupted. Toberman also offers community programs for anyone from youth to senior citizens. Details:www.secure.givelively.org/donate/ toberman-support and www.toberman.org [See Give, p. 4]
[West Harbor, from p. 2]
West Harbor
Real News, Real People, Really Effective November 24 - December 2, 2020
50 times a year. In addition, the speakers will face southeast, and the noise the amphitheater will generate is part of the environmental review. Board member Noel Gould said that line array frequencies can be aimed specifically at the audience, but not bass frequencies, which go in all directions. “Even if there’s some reduction in sound, based on the directionality of the line array, and distance to the proximity of where people are living, bass is going to carry in all directions,” Gould said. “That’s going to need to be mitigated, not as much by the directions the sound system is pointing, but by the ultimate volume by which the sound system is allowed to play. That’s the only way there’s going to be any kind of significant mitigation that wouldn’t disturb residents.” San Pedro resident John Smith said he was not impressed with the designs of the project’s buildings. “They look like, to me, I hate to say it, but ugly cheap warehouses in industrial areas,” Smith said. “I think I could do better if I just went online and ordered a stock, steel building off the internet.” Smith said that business would not be good at West Harbor after the novelty wore off, as he argued that customers would not want to sit in sheet metal buildings. Gould said that the buildings’ designs were a missed opportunity because they did not reflect the maritime history of San Pedro. “If those architectural designs were changed to be something that would truly reflect our history and our character, that would make it even more attractive, even if all of the amenities were the same as what you’re proposing,” Gould said. Community member Mona Dallas Reddick asked if any trees that can provide shade will be added to the project, as the site can get very hot. “I try to imagine myself going with my husband to sit there and enjoy something in the afternoon, and I don’t see where we’re going to be all that comfortable because there is not
enough provision for shade right near the water,” Dallas Reddick said. Dallas Reddick also expressed a desire for a quiet dining environment, as that was available at the site when it was the Ports O’Call. Alan Johnson said that there were a lot of trees along the promenade, but that they would provide more shade in the coming years when they grow taller. In addition, the individual restaurants will provide shade for their outdoor dining.
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Waterfront Turkey Giveaway
On Nov. 20, the shipping and logistics company CMA CGM Group, donated 2,000 turkeys from the Battleship USS Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles. The turkeys were distributed via drive-thru, but the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Port Police also pitched in to deliver some birds to people who were unable to travel. Photo by Arturo Garcia-Ayala. [Give, from p. 3]
November 24 - December 2, 2020
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
Ways to Give
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The Garden Church Online giving allows you to donate through the Garden Church website using a credit card, debit card or bank account. This option allows you to make a one-time contribution or to create an account and set up recurring scheduled payments. You can give securely online through the link at, https://onrealm.org/gardenchurch/-/ give/now Or text to give: Text gardenchurch plus dollar amount to 73256 to give to tithes and offerings using your text messaging. Standard text message rates do apply. Checks can be made payable to The Garden Church and mailed to their office at 20745 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Details: https://thegardenchurch.com Long Beach Rescue Mission Thanksgiving campaign: Feed a hungry person for $2.20. Leave no one out of the Thanksgiving celebration. Especially those who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and are still struggling to recover and care for their families. Current needs: Due to COVID-19 precautions, the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has been postponed, and the loss of donations means resources to feed the mission’s guests are being stretched thin. Financial support funds the rescue mission’s work, which provides everything to clients free of charge. Material donations mean that it can concentrate programs and does not have to spend time, effort and money shopping for everyday supplies. Monthly giving: Through joining Safe Harbor Club, help ensure the everyday needs of homeless, hungry people in the greater Long Beach area are met. Drop off these donations Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Samaritan House*: 1335 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813 or At the Thrift Store: 702 W. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813 Details: https://lbrm.org
Community Announcements:
Harbor Area [Announcements, from p. 2]
City Of Carson Offers Business Assistance Grant Up to $30,000 per Business
The City of Carson is offering a one-time business assistance grant to businesses in Carson who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is available to Carson businesses located within the City of Carson boundaries who have fewer than 50 employees. The program is made possible from community development block supplemental grant or CDBG, a federally funded grant under the Cares Act. The grant funds do not have to be repaid. While the CDBG supplemental grant could have been used for other purposes, the Carson City Council unanimously decided to dedicate $306,729 of the CDBG funding for the Carson Business Assistance Program. The city has partnered with the Carson Community Economic Development Association to assist businesses who meet the application process; pre-eligibility criteria. Details: 213-48-7504 or www.ci.carson.ca.us/ businessassistance
County Seeks Input for Distribution of Community Development and Housing Funds
On the weekend of Nov. 14, the Los Angeles County Development Authority or LACDA held a virtual community meeting for residents of the unincorporated Los Angeles County and participating agency recipients. The meeting collected input for the county’s 2021-2022 Action Plan and included presentations relating to homelessness, fair housing, and economic development. Those unable to attend the community meeting can submit surveys until Dec. 14. The Action Plan will disperse about $33 million in federal community development and housing funds, including an estimated $23 million from the Community Development Block Grant Program, roughly $8 million from HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and about $2 million from the Emergency Solutions Grant Program. The funding supports projects that improve community facilities, streets and sidewalks, and provide childcare programs, services for senior citizens and individuals experiencing homelessness, homebuyer assistance and home repair programs, lowinterest business loans and graffiti removal. Details: www.yourvoicecounts.lacda.org
Outgoing Councilmember Calls Out Long Beach on Transparency, Energy Priorities By Greggory Moore, Columnist
Before she was elected to the Long Beach City Council, Jeannine Pearce was a member of Long Beach Coalition for Good Jobs and a Healthy Community, where in 2012 she helped found the People’s State of the City event, a sort of counterpoint to the mayor’s “official” annual review of the city. “[… T]he Mayor’s State of the City was always: ‘Everything’s excellent. Everything’s great,’” Pearce says. “[…] Doing the People’s State of the City was an opportunity for us to highlight the reality that everyday people were experiencing.” Partly because of that sort of spin, Pearce is walking away from the City Council after four years as the representative of Long Beach’s second district. “One of the reasons it was easy for me to walk away and not run for a second term is that I feel I need to do more of the stuff in the community, versus just putting a name on something and calling it a win,” Pearce says. Worse still, she feels, is a lack of transparency. She gives Long Beach a failing grade when it comes to fulfilling Public Records Act Requests, the legal requirement that cities produce upon demand any documents not explicitly exempt from such disclosure. “On PRA Requests, the city has done a terrible job — they just never get called out on it,” she says. As an example, she cites the period leading up to the City Council’s vote on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), a
Long Beach City Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce. Pearce is leaving her position after four years. File photo
program that would allow the city to purchase electricity generated via renewable means and sell it to residents. When her office did a PRA for the prior year’s e-mails between city officials and consultants, she says, the City Manager’s Office (the department responsible for fulfilling PRAs) failed to include six months’ worth of emails “and acted like it was nothing. So they had to go back in and [respond to] another PRA request, which was four months ago — and they still haven’t responded,” despite the fact that state law requires PRARs to be fulfilled within 24 business
days even under “unusual circumstances.” “Tom [Modica, the city manager] has been good on most issues, [but] on the issues of transparency, a culture shift needs to happen in the city,” she says. “But it will only happen when the majority of the council believes that and cares about that issue. […] When it comes down to transparency, it’s the council’s fault that [the city is] not transparent, even though we have absolutely no power when it comes to that. […] We could publicly call them out and ask for new standards and review. [… In 2018
budget discussions] we made a big to-do about the fact that PRAs weren’t getting done, so we budgeted for another one or two staff people to do PRAs. But that’s just about getting them done in a timely manner, not whether they provide what was requested. […] If we’re not having a conversation about improving our standards, it’s not going to happen, you know?” Pearce also calls out the police department for its lack of transparency. “When I’ve PRAed for police data, I never get it,” she says, “or I’m told I’ll get the data, but it never comes in the form it was supposed to. Not until George Floyd. [After that,] it didn’t come quickly, but it came. […] This was the first year that a lot of data has [been forthcoming]. My worry is that that will go away […] if people on the street don’t keep applying pressure and educating our councilmembers about other forms of public safety. […] Historically the city has tried to downplay the police use of force, gaslighting the community and telling them they do not understand the data or they have it wrong. […] Those numbers have gone down, and I’m very proud of that, but I wish that our [police] department was transparent and open enough to have honest conversations with the public about what they’re doing to reduce use of force. […] Our city manager has said that [the LBPD] is a military-style department — and that’s why our police department does not have the accountability mechanisms or check-ins with the city council that other PDs have. […] We’ve put in meeting requests, but they get moved or [See Pearce, p. 10]
Real News, Real People, Really Effective November 24 - December 2, 2020
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[Censored, from p. 1]
Imports Surge as POLA October Cargo Exceeds 980,000 TEUs
SAN PEDRO — The Port of Los Angeles processed 980,729 twenty-foot equivalent units or TEUs in October, an increase of 27.3% compared to October 2019. Propelled by replenishment of inventories and retailers preparing for upcoming holidays, October marked the busiest month in the port’s 114-year history. October loaded imports reached 506,613 TEUs compared to October 2019. Loaded exports edged up 2.6% to 143,936 TEUs. Empty containers increased 39.3% compared to October 2019, reaching a record of 330,180 TEUs. The October total of 980,729 TEUs eclipsed the previous record of 961,833 set in August of this year. Ninety-seven cargo vessels arrived in October, including 16 extra loaders and two canceled sailings. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Isabella discharged and loaded 32,953 TEUs during its October visit to APM Terminals. Other than the Isabella’s maiden call here in June, it’s the second-highest number of TEUs handled in a single ship visit at the Port of Los Angeles.
Shooting Leaves Two Dead
November 24 - December 2, 2020
Real News, Real People, Totally Relevant
WILMINGTON — On Nov. 15, about 11:25 a.m., 24-year-old Arlene Leonor Rodriguez was sitting in a vehicle that was parked in the 1100 block of North Neptune Avenue, in the City of Wilmington. A male companion was working on the engine of the vehicle, when an unknown suspect approached on foot and fired multiple rounds into the vehicle. Rodriguez and her male companion were struck by gunfire. The suspect fled the location. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported both victims to a local hospital. The male victim suffered a non-lifethreatening injury and is in stable condition. Rodriguez died at the hospital. She was seven months pregnant, and tragically her baby did not survive. There is no suspect description. Homicide detectives from LAPD Harbor Division are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect, or suspects. Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Coffee or Detective Tiffin, Harbor Area, at 310-7267887 or 310-726-7884.
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Long Beach Repeats as Best West Coast Seaport
LONG BEACH — The Port of Long Beach has been named the best West Coast seaport in North America for the second consecutive year. The award was given Nov. 9 in Hong Kong at the 34th annual Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards, hosted by shipping trade publication Asia Cargo News. Every year, Asia Cargo News honors logistics industry members for demonstrating leadership, consistency in service quality, innovation, customer-relationship management and reliability. The awards are judged by importers, exporters and logistics and supply chain professionals.
LASD-Community College Bureau Contract Negotiations End
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Community College District Nov. 13, were unable to negotiate a continuation of law enforcement services. As a result, the contract will expire Dec. 31, 2020, and LASD employees will be vacating the nine college campuses it patrols, effective Jan. 1, 2021. The Los Angeles Community College District has chosen to explore an unarmed service model. Personnel serving the community colleges will be reassigned to fill vacancies throughout the Department.
Project Censored: Missing Patterns in Corporate Media This year, for example, among its top 10 stories there are two stories about violence and victimization of women of color — including the role of media neglect: #1. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (introduced above) and #7. Underreporting of Missing and Victimized Black Women and Girls. There are similarities as well as differences between them, and being able to see them both together in Project Censored’s list helps us see them both more fully as distinct yet connected stories. The stories listed below are only part of what Project Censored does, however. State of the Free Press | 2021 has chapters devoted to other forms of obfuscation that help keep censored stories obscured. There’s a chapter devoted to “Junk Food News,” meaning cheaply produced stories focused on celebrityhood, Graphic courtesy of Urba Indian Health Institute industry-generated buzz, and other trivia in place of substantive investigative Department report. journalism, and another devoted to “News “Although the number of Native Americans Abuse,” meaning genuinely important topics murdered or missing in 2016 exceeded 3,000 presented through a distorted lens or two. There’s — roughly the number of people who died also a chapter devoted to “Déjà Vu News,” during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attack — the tracking previous Project Censored stories to Justice Department’s missing persons database update them and track whether they’ve gained logged only 116 cases that year,” Think Progress some of the wider attention they deserve. And noted. “The sheer scale of the violence against the chapter, “Media Democracy in Action” Native women and the abysmal failure by the highlights individuals and organizations engaged government to adequately address it, explains in building a more inclusive, equitable and why the issue was given such prominence during democratic society. So, if the Top 10 stories this week’s presidential candidates’ forum in summarized below leave you hungry for more, Sioux City — the first to focus entirely on Native Project Censored has all that and more waiting American issues.” for you in State of the Free Press | 2021. But even that didn’t grab media attention. There are multiple complicating factors — in reporting, tracking, investigating and prosecuting, which were explored in coverage by the Guardian, and Yes! Magazine, as well as Ms. “In June 2019 the Canadian National Inquiry and Think Progress. “Campaigners, including the Sovereign into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released its final report, which received Bodies Institute, the Brave Heart Society, and widespread news coverage in the United States,” the Urban Indian Health Institute, identify Project Censored notes. “U.S. corporate news aspects of systemic racism — including the outlets have provided nearly nothing in the way indelible legacies of settler colonialism, issues of reporting on missing and murdered Indigenous with law enforcement, a lack of reliable and comprehensive data, and flawed policymaking women in the United States.” That’s despite a problem of similar dimensions, — as deep-rooted sources of the crisis,” Project and complexity, along with the election of the Censored summed up. “As YES! Magazine reported, tribal first two Native American congresswomen, Deb communities in the United States often lack Holland and Sharice Davids, who, Ms. Magazine jurisdiction to respond to crimes,” Project reported, “are supporting two bills that would Censored noted. address the federal government’s failure to track This was partially remedied in the 2013 and respond to violence against indigenous reauthorization of the Violence Against Women women [and] are supported by a mass movement in the U.S. and Canada raising an alarm about Act, known as VAWA, but “it left sex trafficking missing and murdered indigenous women and and other forms of sexual violence outside tribal jurisdiction, YES! Magazine reported.” girls or MMIWG.” The House voted to expand tribal jurisdiction Four in five Native women experience in such cases in its 2019 VAWA reauthorization, violence at some time in their lives, according but, Ms. reported, “The bill is now languishing to a 2016 survey by the National Institute of in the Senate, where Republicans have so far Justice, cited in an August 2019 Think Progress blocked a vote.” report, and “About nine in 10 Native American “As a result of limited news coverage, the rape or sexual-assault victims had assailants who were white or black,” according to a 1999 Justice United States is far from a national reckoning on
1. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
its crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,” Project Censored concluded.
2. Monsanto “Intelligence Center” Targeted Journalists and Activists
In its fight to avoid liability for causing cancer, the agricultural giant Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) cre ated an “intelligence fusion center” to “monitor and discredit” journalists and activists, Sam Levin reported for The Guardian in August 2019. “More than 18,000 people have filed suit against Monsanto, alleging that exposure to Roundup [weedkiller] caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and that Monsanto covered up the risks by manipulating scientific data and silencing critics,” The Hill summarized. “The company has lost three high-profile cases in the past year, and Bayer is reportedly offering $8 billion to settle all outstanding claims.” “Monsanto adopted a multi-pronged strategy to target Carey Gillam, a Reuters journalist who investigated the company’s weedkiller,” The Guardian reported, while also targeting Neil Young (who released a 2015 record, The Monsanto Years), and creating a massive, multi-million dollar spying and disinformation campaign targeting journalists writing about it, as well as scientists and advocates exposing the risks its product posed. Creating a covert army of seemingly neutral allies to attack its critics was central to Monsanto’s strategy. The Guardian’s report was based on internal documents (primarily from 2015 to 2017) released during trial. They showed that “Monsanto planned a series of ‘actions’ to attack a book authored by Gillam prior to its release, including writing ‘talking points’ for ‘third parties’ to criticize the book and directing ‘industry and farmer customers’ on how to post negative reviews.” In addition, Monsanto paid Google to skew search results promoting criticism of Gilliam’s work on Monsanto, and it discussed strategies for pressuring Reuters with the goal of getting her reassigned. The company “had a ‘Carey Gillam Book’ spreadsheet, with more than 20 actions dedicated to opposing her book before its publication.” It also “wrote a lengthy report about singer Neil Young’s anti-Monsanto advocacy, monitoring his impact on social media, and at one point considering ‘legal action.’” The entire pool of journalists covering the third trial was also targeted in a covert influence operation, Paul Thacker reported for The Huffington Post. A purported “freelancer for the BBC” schmoozed other reporters, trying to steer them toward writing stories critical of the plaintiffs suing Monsanto. Their curiosity aroused, they discovered that “her LinkedIn account said she worked for FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm that Monsanto and [See Censored, p. 7]
[Homelessness, from p. 6]
Censored
Bayer, Monsanto’s parent company, had engaged for consulting,” and she subsequently went into a digital disappearing act. “FTI staff have previously attempted to obtain information under the guise of journalism,” Thacker added. “In January, two FTI consultants working for Western Wire — a ‘news and analysis’ website backed by the oil and gas trade group Western Energy Alliance — attempted to question an attorney who represents communities suing Exxon over climate change.” FTI was not alone. “Monsanto has also previously employed shadowy networks of consultants, PR firms, and front groups to spy on and influence reporters,” Thacker wrote. “And all of it appears to be part of a pattern at the company of using a variety of tactics to intimidate, mislead and discredit journalists and critics.” “Monsanto officials were repeatedly worried about the release of documents on their financial relationships with scientists that could support the allegations they were ‘covering up unflattering research,’” The Guardian noted. At the same time, it tried to attack critics as “anti-science.” And it summed up, “The internal communications add fuel to the ongoing claims in court that Monsanto
has ‘bullied’ critics and scientists and worked to conceal the dangers of glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide.” “Monsanto’s campaign to monitor and discredit journalists and other critics has received almost no corporate news coverage,” Project Censored notes. A rare exception was a June 2019, ABC News report which nonetheless “consistently emphasized the perspective of Monsanto and Bayer.”
3. U.S. Military — A Massive, Hidden Contributor to Climate Crisis
It’s said that an army travels on its stomach, but the U.S. Army itself has said, “Fuel is the ‘blood of the
military,’” as quoted in a study, Hidden carbon costs of the ‘everywhere war by Oliver Belcher, Patrick Bigger, Ben Neimark and Cara Kennelly, who subsequently summarized their findings for The Conversation in June 2019. The U.S. military is “one of the largest polluters in history, consuming more liquid fuels and emitting more cli mate-change gases than most medium-sized countries,” they wrote. If it were a country, it would rank as “the 47th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world.” Studies of greenhouse gas emissions usu ally focus on civilian use, but the U.S. military has a larger carbon footprint than any civilian corporation in the world. “The U.S. military’s climate policy remains fundamentally contradictory,” their study notes.
“The U.S. military sees climate change as a ‘threat multiplier,’ or a condition that will exacerbate other threats, and is fast becoming one of the leading federal agencies in the United States to invest in research and adoption of renewable energy, [but on the other hand,] it remains the largest single institutional consumer of hydrocarbons in the world [and] this dependence on fossil fuels is unlikely to change as the USA continues to pursue open-ended operations around the globe.” While the military has invested in developing biofuels, “the entire point of these fuels is that they are ‘drop-in’ — they can be used in existing military kit which means that, whenever convenient or cheaper, the infrastructure is already in place to undo whatever marginal gains have been made in decarbonisation.” Things will only get worse. “There is no shortage of evidence that the climate is on the brink of irreversible tipping points,” the study notes. “Once past those tipping points, the impacts of climate change will continue to be more intense, prolonged, and widespread, giving cover to even more extensive U.S. military interventions.” Understanding the military’s climate impact requires a systems approach. “We argue that to account for the U.S. military as a major climate actor, one must understand the logistical supply chain that makes its acquisition
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and consumption of hydrocarbonbased fuels possible,” the study says. “We show several ‘path dependencies’ — warfighting paradigms, weapons systems, bureaucratic requirements and waste — that are put in place by military supply chains and undergird a heavy reliance on carbon-based fuels by the U.S. military for years to come.” Data for their study was difficult to get. “A loophole in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol exempted the United States from reporting mil itary emissions,” Project Censored explains. “Although the Paris Accord closed this loophole, Neimark, Belcher, and Bigger noted that, ‘with the Trump administration due to withdraw from the accord in 2020, this gap . . . will return.’” They only obtained fuel purchase data through multiple Freedom of Information Act requests. Finally, by way of conclusions, Project Censored said: Noting that “action on climate change demands shut tering vast sections of the military machine,” Neimark, Belcher, and Bigger recommended that “money spent procuring and distributing fuel across the U.S. empire” be reinvested as “a peace dividend, helping to fund a Green New Deal in whatever form it might take.” Not surprisingly the report had received “little to no corporate news coverage” as of May 2020, beyond scattered republication of their Conversation piece.
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Censorship- Right, Left and Center Misconceptions and denial in the media By James Preston Allen, Publisher
November 24 - December 2, 2020
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Having defended free speech and freedom of the press for most of my life I understand a few things about the subject that the extreme right supporters of Donald Trump don’t quite get. First among these is that free speech is not an absolute right! The example most often referenced is that you can’t yell “fire” in a crowded theater when there is none. It’s also against the law to call in a false bomb threat to the local airport or shopping center and to make a believable threat of physical violence against another person. These are limits on your free speech. Even more so you can be sued for libel or slander for making unsubstantiated or false statements against an individual, something that Donald J. Trump seems never to consider as he tweets, planted in front of a television set. Legitimate publishers have the responsibility to discern the difference between all of the above and what can commonly be understood as the “truth.” Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, which have nourished and provided oxygen to fake news and false narratives have avoided this responsibility until recently. Now far right extremists are accusing these platforms of censorship and they are correct to the extent that these new media corporations are attempting to play the legal role of publishers, not because they have come to some new awakening but because Congress and the FCC is holding their feet to the regulatory fire. They are attempting to keep some people or groups from yelling “fire” in the crowded theater of the Internet chat rooms. These companies are just now attempting to sort wild accusations and conspiracy theories from facts on their platforms, whether it’s about the recent election, President-elect Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton or just about anyone else who is not a far right-wing-conspiracy-QAnon-nutcase. This is a responsibility that should have been mandated by the FCC years ago, but wasn’t. For many years, this paper along with the Project Censored Project of California State University of Sonoma has offered a similar critique of the mainstream media. We have been calling out corporate media in America’s inherent bias and blindness to certain kinds of stories that don’t fit into its world view of “the news” and burying reporting that isn’t in its self interest or gets in the way of
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corporate profits (read ratings here). It’s why local TV news leads with what bleeds, features three segments of weather (usually with a hot woman in a tight dress delivering it) and sports. Every once in a while you’ll get a short segment on a city hall scandal and then the obligatory political report (often delivered by someone far removed from either Washington D.C. or Sacramento who doesn’t know much more than you do if you read the national press). Yes and don’t forget the breakaway to the latest LAcar chase that often takes up more airtime than anything else. So what’s missing here? Basically, any real coverage of the political landscape that delves into the core issues of the environment, climate change, pollution, systemic racism, underlying causes of homelessness or coverage of your local city government unless there’s a salacious scandal, a riot or massive demonstration. Corporate media coverage is geared towards grabbing your attention rather than reporting the news and actually informing you on things of political importance. And then of course because this is Los Angeles, celebrity news gets treated with the same degree of importance as news that actually affects Angelenos. Like does it really matter if some famous actor is getting another divorce, having a baby, showing off in a skimpy bikini or having an affair with another famous celebrity I’ve never met? These are the things that make up what is called “infotainment” for want of a better descriptive term. I call it distraction, Junk Food News or the “who cares news?” It informs the public of trivia about people, places or mansions of the rich and famous that makes people envious of something larger than their own miserable struggles to pay the rent, raise their children or have a decent well-paid job. The corporate news’ job is to maximize viewership to increase its bottom line not to keep you informed or empowered. This is where the real alternative media of North America parts ways with the mainstream corporate press and is distinct from what can now easily be called the fake alt-right media. Publications like The Nation, Mother Jones and The Progressive, alongside most of the sister publications that are a part of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, Pacifica Radio’s KPFK 90.7, National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service all offer perspectives not Publisher/Executive Editor James Preston Allen james@randomlengthsnews.com Assoc. Publisher/Production Coordinator Suzanne Matsumiya
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commonly found in commercial broadcasts. Each of these come with their own brands of bias but are held to the standards of fair reporting. The growing number of alt-right “news” websites that are polluting the Internet these days with fictional reporting that masquerades as journalism is just astounding. In this year’s Project Censored story #6, “Shadow Network of Conservative Outlets Emerges to Exploit Faith in Local News,” found at least 189 sites in 10 states run by Metric Media — all created in 2019 — along with 179 run by Franklin Archer. All of these are pseudo-local news organizations that fill the gap in communities that no longer have viable local newspapers or other independent media. This along with the consolidation and merger of most independent media in America
has concentrated more power into fewer hands than ever before. About 15 billionaires and six corporations own the majority of the U.S. media outlets. The biggest media conglomerates in America are AT&T, Comcast, The Walt Disney Company (ABC), National Amusements (which includes Viacom Inc. and CBS), News Corp and Fox Corporation (which are both owned in part by the Murdochs), Sony and Hearst Communications. And to say that these corporations are “the liberal” media as right-wingers claim is so far from the truth as to be laughable. These media’s politics begin and end with their profits not their politics as does their editorial biases that protect their bottom lines. Sure, there is censorship in America. It’s just not what the far right claims it is.
Corporate Dems Blame Progressives for Congressional Losses By Norman Solomon
Corporate Democrats got the presidential nominee they wanted, along with control over huge campaign ad budgets and nationwide messaging to implement “moderate” strategies. But, as the Washington Post noted, Joe Biden’s victory “came with no coattails down ballot.” Democratic losses left just a razor-thin cushion in the House, and the party failed to win a Senate majority. Now, corporate Democrats are scapegoating progressives. The best members of Congress are pushing back — none more forcefully or eloquently than Rashida Tlaib, the Michigan congresswoman who just won her second term in one of the nation’s poorest districts. She was the most outspoken against an anti-progressive pile-
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on during a Nov. 5 conference call of House Democrats. And she continues to hold high a shining lantern of progressive principles. Tlaib has pointed out that “Democratic candidates in swing districts who openly supported progressive policies, like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, won their races.” And she refuses to retreat. “We’re not going to be successful if we’re silencing districts like mine,” she told Politico days ago. “Me not being able to speak on behalf of many of my neighbors right now, many of which are black neighbors, means me being silenced. I can’t be silent.” Politico reported that Tlaib was “choking up [See Blame, p. 9]
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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 2020 Random Lengths News. All rights reserved.
Community Health Alert
Public Health Modifies Health Order to Restrict Dining Amid Covid Surge
As new COVID-19 cases remain at alarming levels and the number of people hospitalized continue to increase, the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order was modified to restrict dining at restaurants, breweries, wineries and bars as the fiveday average of new cases increased to more than 4,000 cases. The modified order will take effect Nov. 25 at 10 p.m. To reduce the possibility for crowding and the potential for exposures in settings where people are not wearing their face coverings, restaurants, breweries, wineries and bars will only be able to offer takeout, drive-thru and delivery services. Wineries and breweries may continue their retail operations adhering to current protocols. In person dining will not be allowed, at minimum, for the next 3 weeks.
RANDOMLetters Healing is Possible
Though our country is divided politically, the San Pedro Faith Consortium stands united in our call for peace, civility and respect. Made up of religious organizations, such as San Pedro Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro, Temple Beth El, The Garden Church and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, we are proud to represent a diverse religious group of people of different colors, backgrounds, and beliefs. For the past several years, we have become increasingly alarmed at the polarizing rhetoric, misunderstandings, and misinformation that has driven a wedge between us. We are troubled by arguments that have pulled friends and family members apart. Our nation is in a moment of painful transition, but we hold hope that healing is possible. After all, we share a great deal in common. We are united in our love for San Pedro, California, and the United States of America. We are all deserving of respect, safety,
[Blame, from p. 8]
Blame
75 years and never been thanked for my service to our country, like this lady did for me today. I hope someone in Downey shows her this message and tells her I will think of her as the Egg Lady every day as I have breakfast. May God bless her always. George Johnson U.S. Navy, retired Downey
The Chicago Honor Initiative
I am excited to share news about the non-profit company that I started and preside over. It is called the Chicago Honor Initiative (C.H.I. Project) in conjunction with Windy City Entertainment, inc. It addresses the issue of gun violence in Chicago and the
senseless killings — this year alone there have been over 3,500 shootings in Chicago, with over 600 of those resulting in death. Each weekend, the number of shootings and deaths seem to increase, with many victims being innocent bystanders. This is totally unacceptable. Chicago is [See Letters, p. 10]
Random Acts of Kindness
I am a disabled veteran of WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars. While shopping at Stater Bros on Oct. 23, at around 3-4 pm, a kind lady shocked this 95-year-old. I am so humbled by her kindness, I had to write to you. While I was at the checkout, I was going to pay my bill but was told it was taken care of by the lady next in line. I do not know her name. I have lived in Downey for
has been startling and sometimes disturbing to entrenched Democrats is that Tlaib — along with House colleagues Alexandria OcasioCortez, Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna and some others — repeatedly make it clear that they’re part of progressive movements. And those movements are serious about fundamental social change, even if it means polarizing with Democratic Party leaders. Anyone with a shred of humane values should be aware that Republican lawmakers are anathema to those values. But that reality shouldn’t blind us to the necessity of challenging and, when feasible, organizing to unseat, elected Democrats who are more interested in maintaining the status quo that benefits moneyed interests than fighting for social justice. While satisfying their impulses to blame the left for centrist failures, corporate Democrats and their mildly “progressive” enablers — inside and outside of Congress — are striving to paper over basic fault lines. The absence of a functional public-health system, the feeble government response to the climate emergency, the widening and deadly realities of income inequality, the systemic racism, the runaway militarism and so many other ongoing catastrophes are results of social structures that constrict democracy and serve oligarchy. Those who denounce the fight for a progressive agenda are telling us that, in essence, they don’t want much to change.
November 24 - December 2, 2020
Norman Solomon is the national director of RootsAction.org and the author of many books including War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death. He was a Bernie Sanders delegate from California for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
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as she expressed frustration” near the end of an interview as she said: “If [voters] can walk past blighted homes and school closures and pollution to vote for Biden-Harris, when they feel like they don’t have anything else, they deserve to be heard. I can’t believe that people are asking them to be quiet.” In an email to supporters, Tlaib was clear: “We’ve got to focus on working class people. We are done waiting to be heard or prioritized by the federal government. I won’t let leaders of either party silence my residents’ voices any longer.” Tlaib offers the kind of clarity that should guide progressive forces no matter how much “party unity” smoke is blown in their direction: “We are not interested in unity that asks people to sacrifice their freedom and their rights any longer. And if we truly want to unify our country, we have to really respect every single voice. We say that so willingly when we talk about Trump supporters, but we don’t say that willingly for my black and brown neighbors and from LGBTQ neighbors or marginalized people.” When Rashida Tlaib talks about “pushing the Democratic Party to represent the communities that elected them,” she actually means what she says. That’s quite a contrast with the usual discourse coming from dominant Democrats and outfits like the Democratic National Committee. Let’s face it: Most of the nearly 100 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are not reliable when corporate push comes to shove, assisted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. What
freedom to pursue our dreams, and the right to be heard. We also have a responsibility to one another. If we wish to repair the fractures in our community and within our world, we must begin by seeing the humanity even in those with whom we disagree. We must be brave enough to hear one another, courageous enough to admit when we are wrong, and optimistic enough to build a better future. No leader, however talented and inspiring, can heal a nation on his own. It is up to each of us to do our part. Rabbi Cassi Temple Beth El San Pedro
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RANDOMLetters
[Pearce, from p. 5]
Pearce
November 24 - December 2, 2020
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cancelled. One of the shifts I’d like to see is that the [police] chief meets at least quarterly with councilmembers. […] He’s a department head [that is] being funded by taxpayer dollars. They should not get to operate independently. But I believe that’s the way the city treats them.” Pearce also sees problems with the City Attorney’s Office, which she feels has too much power and too little accountability. “Historically, people look at the city attorney and say, ‘He’s not political’; but outside of the mayor, [the city attorney] is the most political person in this city, if you ask me. And he’s the one who gives us direction when it comes to things like the police department — do we go to court, do we settle, how much information is allowed to come out. […] It is the seat [in
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city government] that deserves to have the most transparency and the most integrity — but there is none. […] I also firmly believe that the residents of Long Beach are not paying enough attention to the decisions [City Attorney Charles] Parkin makes, from homelessness [and] housing to land use. We need more transparency and accountability in the City Attorney’s Office, regardless of who has the position. […] When we talk about the Downtown Plan, the police budget, [etc.], it should be about transparency and access and being honest with our residents about what’s really there so we can all get on the same page [regarding] what little changes will make a real difference.”
[Letters, from p. 9]
in a state of emergency, and one of the goals of the C.H.I. Project is to find solutions to this epidemic. We want to create alternatives for young men and women in gangs to see a future for themselves, to understand the consequences of their actions, and most important, change the narrative for violence being the only viable solution to a problem. On Feb. 11, 2021 from 5 to 9 p.m. (CST), we are planning to present our first “Chicago Peace Symposium” via Zoom. Private virtual rooms will provide opportunities for gang members to speak freely, listen intently to one another, and
collectively work to end the destruction of gang violence. We want to take a deeper look at the trauma many are facing and initiate a pathway to forgiveness for those who have caused the unspeakable pain that too many have suffered. One of our goals is to provide badly needed services in a variety of areas. This is where you come in, my friend. To make something of this magnitude happen we need you! We are seeking tax-deductible sponsorships of $1,000 to $10,000, and contributions beginning at $25. We have made this easy, safe and secure through PayPal on our WCE website, www. WindyCityEntertainment.net During my search to find
solutions to put an end to the gang related violence in Chicago, I thought of you because I feel you share my sentiments about what is happening. I am a Chicago native, living in Los Angeles, but my heart is always with our people in Chicago. With your help, our virtual Chicago Peace Symposium will be the giant step in bringing about positive change. Richest blessings to you and yours. Windy Barnes Farrell President, Windy City Entertainment Inc. Chicago Honor Initiative San Pedro
Long Beach Opera Commissions New Classical Music to Fundraise for 2021 By Greggory Moore, Curtain Call Columnist
A
typical annual fundraising gala for Long Beach Opera goes something like this: there’s a big swanky party, with donors shelling out big bucks to eat, drink, enjoy performance, and hear about the upcoming season their generosity is making possible. As you may have heard, 2020 is not a typical year. But in the spirit of “the show must go on,” after being forced to cancel most of its 2020 season, Long Beach Opera is moving forward with plans for 2021, finding (to quote Executive Director Jennifer Rivera) “creative ways to bring the incredible collaborative art form of opera to audiences once again.” LBO has also come up with a creative way for those generous big donors to help create a new kind of gala: the 2020 Songbook, an “UnGala” featuring world premieres of 20 short vocal works
— commissioned by the donors themselves and created by emerging composers — reflecting on some aspect of the 2020 experience. “The resulting ‘2020 Songbook’ will serve as an artistic time capsule of this very unusual time, as well as contributing to the creative economy by encouraging the creation of new works,” says LBO. The commissioned composers were selected and mentored by a quintet of heavy hitters in the opera universe, including Anthony Davis, who won a Pulitzer Prize last year for The Central Park Five, which Long Beach Opera world premiered in June 2019 at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. Annie Gosfield, David Lang, George Lewis, and Du Yun round out the group, adding another two Pulitzers, two Guggenheims, and a MacArthur Genius Grant to
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Top, Carla Kihlstedt’s video featuring herself. Above, Jessie Cox’s video featuring Derrell Acon. Below, Theresa Wong’s video featuring David Castillo.
November 24 - December 2, 2020
their collective trophy case. The range of themes in the 20 works (each three to five minutes in length) includes the silence brought on by the pandemic; what breathing means to sick, oppressed, and climate-affected citizens; missing indigenous women and girls; a recent Brigham Young University decision to rescind a decree allowing same-sex relationships; and meditation and dating during lockdown. While some of the composers (who hail not just from the U.S. but also Canada, New Zealand, Iran, and various European countries) fashioned their compositions into traditional performances, others employed a variety of videographic techniques, including stop-motion animation, shadow puppetry, mobile projection, and iconographic storytelling. “The video productions are as diverse as the compositional voices and will tell their own story about how opera and classical music can move towards more digital forms of art creation, illuminating perhaps [See Songbook, p. 16]
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Pie Times
By Ari LeVaux, Flash in the Pan Columnist
T
he message of Thanksgiving is rooted in a story about a diverse group of people cooperating with one another in order to survive the winter. And now, 399 years after the first feast, we’re facing another crisis. And this time, instead of getting together to cooperate, we all need to work together by staying apart. Just as I love Thanksgiving but don’t want to help spread COVID-19, I love pumpkin pie but don’t want to make crust. So I’ll be seeking some kind of normalcy by celebrating #399 the way I always do, by looking for ways to make pumpkin pie, but not make an official pastry crust.
Other years, I’ve made pumpkin pudding and pots de creme. I’ve baked pumpkin pie filling inside squash on the half-shell. This year, I’ll be making Oreo Crusted Pumpkin Pie. Chocolate and pumpkin pie make a great combination, and Oreo is a special kind of chocolate. It has an almost burnt, sugary charcoal flavor that adds lovely bass notes for the pie spices to dance upon. And just as importantly, after it’s been atomized in the blender, the Stuf in between the cookies is really good at holding the crust together as you form it into place. And when heated, the Stuf melts, oiling the pan below
A slice of Oreo Crusted Pumpkin Pie. Courtesy of Ari LeVaux’s Flash in the Pan. Right, Oreo Crusted Pumpkin Pie, which uses Oreo halves as both crust and topping. Courtesy of Ari LeVaux’s Flash in the Pan.
November 24 - December 2, 2020
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and permeating the crust, and eventually gluing it all together when it cools. I prefer the Dark Chocolate Oreo product, which has chocolate Stuf. Because chocolate is the whole point of Oreos. And if you want to absolutely maximize the chocolate in your pumpkin pie — or more accurately, around your pumpkin pie — then you can sprinkle more Oreo powder on top, either as an artistic flourish, or as a solid fudge cap. You can also use unbroken Oreos, simply pulled in half, as both crust and topping. The bottom line is none of these Oreo techniques requires a rolling pin, or leave your kitchen dusted with flour. When the virus is finally in the rearview mirror, you can go on appreciating a crust that
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you can make with ingredients from the gas station convenience store. And when it’s safe to gather, you and this pie will be ruling the potluck. But this year, you may have to eat that pie alone. Or on Zoom. So that next year we can go back to arguing about politics around the table in person, like normal. [See Pie, p. 16]
Palos Verdes Art Center
Studio Gallery 345
STILL TRENDING
Pat Woolley, Last of Summer’s Blooms
Take a virtual tour of Pat Woolley and Gloria Lee’s works at www. randomlengthsnews.com/art/first-thursday
Ko-Ryu Ramen 362 W. 6th St. San Pedro 90731 310-935-2886
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Narsiso Martinez, Super Fresh, mixed media on produce boxes, 2020
Still Trending is a where-are-they-now follow-up with emerging artists. This group exhibition will be presented online at pvartcenter. org. PVAC’s Annual Alpay Scholarship University student juried exhibition, Now Trending, is open for entry to art students attending Southern California universities and provides recognition and financial assistance to young artists at the beginning of their careers. This virtual celebration of emerging artists showcases wall art, performance, installation, sculpture, and multimedia. Due to COVID-19 health concerns in 2020, Still Trending replaces Now Trending this year and presents six artists who have previously won scholarships or received honorable mention. They are Giselle Daneshmand (2019), Joshua Ross (2018), Joshua Smith (2017), Narsiso Martinez (2016), Janet Dandridge (2016), and Ranee Henderson (2014).
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In an abundance of caution, Studio 345, which shows the works of Pat Woolley and Gloria D. Lee will be closed for First Thursdays until further notice. 345 W. 7th St., San Pedro.
Details: Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, (310) 541-2479, www.pvartcenter.org
November 24 - December 2, 2020
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[Songbook, from p. 11]
[Pie, from p. 14]
a silver lining of the pandemic for creative artists,” says LBO. “[…] Another important component of the 2020 Songbook is the emphasis on new classical music creation in the digital era. Because all of these new pieces were created during the pandemic, they were all created specifically for a digital medium, a frontier opera and classical music has previously shied away from.” The evening will be hosted live by Metropolitan Opera star countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, along with the above-mentioned quintet of mentor composers. Unlike your typical LBO gala, the 2020 Songbook UnGala can be attended (virtually, of course) by people
When you make a pumpkin pie with an Oreo crust, you probably shouldn’t sweeten the filling, because the Oreos have so much sugar. Ounce for ounce, winter squash has more sugar than canned “pumpkin” (which is actually canned winter squash). So it needs less sweetener. Makes one pie. 1 package Oreos (preferably Dark Chocolate), about 36 cookies 1 15-ounce can pumpkin (or 2 cups of baked winter squash flesh) 2 eggs 1 tablespoon oil 1 cup heavy cream ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon pie spices 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Songbook Ungala who lack the donors’ deep pockets, with tickets going for $75 or only $25 “for artists, students, or anyone experiencing financial hardship (honor system — no proof required).” Twothirds of all full-price ticket sales goes directly to the artists themselves. “[T]he idea that we could actually contribute to the ailing artists economy and also fundraise and also support new works seemed like a wonderful place to start [our 2021 season],” says Rivera. “[…] We felt that the artistic lens these composers could provide would offer us all an important way to process what we’ve all been going through.”
Black Belt Pie
November 24 - December 2, 2020
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Pre-heat oven to 425. Reserve six Oreos for garnish or emergencies, and blend the rest in a blender until smooth. Pour half of the resulting Oreo dust into a pie pan, and put it in the hot oven for five minutes. Remove the pan and carefully push the crumbled Oreo into the bottom and up the edges, as evenly as you can. Use the back of
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the spoon to press and burnish it. Crack two eggs in a bowl without breaking the yolks. Carefully spoon out a tablespoon of white and dump it into the Oreo pie crust. Use your fingers or a brush to gently spread the egg white all over the crust, and put it back in the oven for seven minutes. Meanwhile, put the pumpkin — either from a can or your baked and cooled winter squash — in a blender. Add the eggs, vanilla, oil, cream, salt and pie spices, and blend until smooth. (If using fresh squash it may be a bit thicker, so be prepared to add ½ cup of milk or water.) Pour the filling into your Oreo crust and sprinkle the remaining Oreo dust on top. A thick top crust results in a pie that looks like a hockey puck on the outside, while inside hides a bright creamy pumpkin filling. If you choose not to go with a thick chocolate top, go around the edge and push down on any crust that is sticking above the surface of the filling. Cover the pie with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Lower the oven to 350 and remove the foil. Bake for another 45 minutes. Remove the pie and allow it to cool for two hours.
Nov 24 - Dec 2 • 2020
MUSIC Nov. 27
Digital Mirage Friendsgiving Proximity and Brownies & Lemonade present a Friendsgiving edition of their online music festival. The festival includes performances by more than 30 artists, including Austin Millz, Blvk Jvck and Benny Benassi. Time: 12 p.m. Nov. 27 to 11:45 p.m. Nov. 28 Cost: Free Details: https://digitalmirage.io/
THEATER Dec. 6
CAP UCLA Presents 600 Highwaymen This is a three-part work of theater conceived and created to arc across COVID-19 distancing. Part I is a phone conversation, Part II is a socially distanced encounter, Part III is a public convening once it is safe to do so. In each part you are both the actor and audience. All events will be held in Pacific Standard time. Please note that participating in parts two and three of this experience will require attendance in-person, when state health guidelines allow for it. Time: At various times PST, Dec. 6 and 13 and Sunday, Jan. 24 Cost: $25/100 Person Limit Details: www.cap.ucla.edu/ calendar/600highwaymen
Dec. 12 Shakespeare By The Sea, Measure for Measure It’s virtue vs sin in this complicated story of an ordinary man who is suddenly thrust into a position of power. Time: 7 p.m Dec. 12 virtual stream Cost: Free Details: www.shakespearebythesea/tickets
ENTERTAINMENT Dec. 12
Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce… Pandemic! UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance and prestigious theaters and cultural institutions around the world present the Pomegranate Arts production Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce…Pandemic! The special, live-streamed event reimagines for this time of social distancing. Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 12 Cost: $25 Details: www.cap.ucla.edu/calendar/details/taylormacpandemic
ART
Nov. 23 UnSightly Experience sound poems and performances ranging from classic recitation to speecherly encryption by soundpedro2020 artists: audipoeta, Costantino Rizzuti, Flamboyant Hag, Jamie Mc, Karena Massengill, Martin Espino, Michael Mersereau, nusik
+ MANSPLAINERTAINER, Wild Don Lewis, The Silver Duckling, wtchcvlt, and Yuri Bruscky. Details: UnSightly is now available at www.soundpedro.org/ sound-poetry
Nov. 24 Site Unseen Join this virtual tour of the installation sites in which soundpedro artists could not exhibit because of COVID-19. The interactive map features artists and artifacts (video, sound, etc.) dedicated to Pauline Oliveros. Time: The final chapter of Site Unseen goes live Nov. 24 Details: www.soundpedro.org/ site-unseen-2020
Dec. 1 Studio Soup Join the virtual conversation with guest artists Maggie Lowe Tennesen, Marie Thibeault and Ann Weber. Peggy Reavey hosts this closer look at the unique ways artists move from original impulse to finished piece - how their work comes to be, in the third quarterly installment of Studio Soup. Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 Details: www.eventbrite.com/e/ studio-soup-tickets
Dec. 3 FirstThursday Armchair ArtWalk Tour The public is invited to join the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District
For information call 310-847-7704 Banning’s Landing is a Port of Los Angeles facility operated by Friends of Bannng’s Landing
100 E. Water St. @ Avalon Blvd. Wilmington, CA 90744
DANCE Nov. 23
Encore— San Pedro Festival of the Arts 2020 A free family virtual event with 19 curated diverse dances from 17 companies and studios including: San Pedro City Ballet plus live interviews and scenes of San Pedro. As a special feature, each piece will have a short introduction by the artist, an interview with choreographer Louise Reichlin, or a short verbal introduction. Details: triartSP.com Time: Nov. 23 through Dec. 6. Cost: Free Details: vimeo.com/showcase/ sanpedroartsfest or www.lachoreographersanddancers.org
Dec. 12 The Nutcracker The San Pedro City Ballet announces its first digitally streamed celebration of the beloved holiday tradition Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. In lieu of a live performance, the company has opted to stream a recording of last year’s performance of The Nutcracker on its website, with special interviews with the artistic directors and former company dancers. Time: 5 p.m. Dec. 12
Details: www.sanpedrocityballet. org
POETRY
Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 28 Cost: $35 Details: https://tinyurl.com/gratefulworkshop
The Poetry Stage Redux Beyond Baroque presents the second installment of The Poetry Stage Redux, a series of readings by nationally acclaimed poets from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Poetry Stage. Time: 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 Details: www.eventbrite.com/e/ the-poetry-stage-redux
Big Library Read: Teen Book Chat & Trivia Dive into Reverie by Ryan La Sala, a book of epic proportions where reality and fantasy merge into one. There will be trivia, prizes, and fun. For teens ages 14-18. Time: 4 p.m. Details: www.big-library-read
Dec. 3
COMMUNITY Nov. 25
Parent-Ade: Modeling Gratitude Hear how modeling gratitude can help your children be happier, more productive students. For parents and caregivers. Time: 4 p.m. Nov. 25 Details: www.lacountylibrary.webex.com
Nov. 27 Hana Holiday Craft Show Kirei Cositas hosts this online fair, which has local artists selling unique handcrafted items. This is a good way to do shopping for the holidays. Time: 12 a.m. Nov. 27 to 12 a.m. Dec. 1 Cost: Free Details: https://www.facebook. com/hanacraftshow/
Nov. 28 I Am Grateful, A Paint Your Essence Workshop In this expressive painting workshop, participants will paint symbolic images about themselves and why they are grateful. Participants will appreciate their own growth and pray for their futures.
Nov. 30
Dec. 6 40th Annual San Pedro Holiday Parade Celebrate the festivities and the spirit of the San Pedro holiday parade to your home. This year’s parade is a tribute to years past. Join the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce online, as they stroll down memory lane. Have a photo or video you want to share during the virtual parade? Email: Laura@ sanpedrochamber.com. Streaming platforms to be announced before the virtual event. Time: 1 p.m. Dec. 6 Details: https://www.sanpedrochamber.com/
Dec. 9
Learning How to be Anti-Racist: Special Topics Join a monthly learning series as we cover a special topic around race and racism in the United States. December’s topic will be policing and incarceration. Time: 6 p.m. Dec. 9 Details: www.zoom.us/How-tobe-Anti-Racist
Real News, Real People, Really Effective
Private Event Rental Community Meetings Art Classes/ Exhibitions
on Zoom, by registering for a free ticket on Eventbrite, where you can register for the last ArtWalk Tour of 2020. The registration will give you a link to Facebook where we will also be live streaming. The Dec. 3, Armchair ArtWalk will be featuring traditions normally observed for the holiday season in the historic Warner Grand Theatre. Time: 6 p.m. Dec. 3 Cost: Free Details: www.eventbrite.com/e/ armchair-artwalk-tour-tickets
November 24 - December 2, 2020
17
CLASSIFIED ADS & DBA FILINGS RLN SEEKING SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Responsibilities include: • Advertising sales— print and digital • Developing and maintaining social media Requirements: • 2-plus years of advertising or marketing experience • Reliable transportation Send resumé to james@randomlengthsnews.com or drop by the office at 1300 S. Pacific Ave. in San Pedro.
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PERSONALS
with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 10/26/20. 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 expire 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 of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business
and Professions code). Original filing: 11/24/20, 12/04/20, 12/10/20, 12/22/20
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020175759 The following person is doing business as:(1) Able Design and Fabrication, (2) Mirotek, 1550 W. Manhalo, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: ADF Inc., 1550 W. Manhalo, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220. This Business is conducted by a corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 09/2015. 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/. Louis Mannick, President
Well-to-do lady seeks a good man age 62 to 80 to travel and have a good life with. I’ll pay my own expenses, you pay yours. (310) 684-1448.
(AAN CAN)
DBAs $ 140 Filing & Publishing
310-519-1442
PETS 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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PLEASE HELP! 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.
[continued on p. 19]
© 2020 MATT JONES, Jonesin’ Crosswords
19.99
Bulletin Board
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 10/30/20. 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 expire 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 of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law
Alternative Bands” — predictions on who would win. [#464, Apr. 2010]
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Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020170948 The following person is doing business as:(1) Lili Bella Boutique, 1317 Woodbury Drive, Harbor City, CA 90710, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Patricia R. Garcia Guitierrez, 1317 Woodbury Drive, Harbor City, CA 90710. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. 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/. Patricia R. Garcia-Gutierrez, owner This statement was filed
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ACROSS
1 Maggie Gyllenhaal’s brother 5 Tallahassee’s st. 8 Earthy yellow shade 13 Fix text 14 “___ Boot” 15 Weasel out (on) 16 “You’d think Band A would hold up, but it’s flimsy. Band B wins” 19 Like some computer errors 20 Blood type for just over 6% of the U.S. pop. 21 They follow B 22 Unable to work, perhaps 24 CPR pro 26 Comp. storage sites 27 Forever, it seems 31 “Charter” tree 33 Diamond Head locale 35 “Band B wins, since Band A only has a tolerance for booze” 39 Wash against, as the shore 40 Cutesy-___ 41 Four Holy Roman Emperors 43 “Drop Band A on Band B? Band B wins, no contest” 46 1920s design style 47 Suffix for orange or lemon 48 Gaelic tongue 49 “Ben-___” (movie classic) 51 Shaker ___, OH
53 Furthest degree 55 Fertile Crescent locale 57 Golfer Aoki 59 Did some diamond inspecting? 64 “Band B wins, because it’s pointy and doesn’t digest well” 67 Early actress Langtry 68 Dir. opp. WNW 69 “Scientific American Frontiers” host Alan 70 Didn’t dine out 71 “Slippery When ___” (Bon Jovi album) 72 Spotted
DOWN
1 Constantly napping member of The Wiggles 2 Song from Sarah McLachlan’s “Surfacing” 3 Highland Games garb 4 “At Last” blues singer ___ James 5 Prez on the dime 6 Kitschy ‘70s plug-ins 7 Part of AARP 8 “___ the fields we go ...” 9 “Mad Money” network 10 Job search insider 11 Spurred (on) 12 Hull wreckers 15 Stringy cleaner 17 Footballer Manning 18 “Isn’t that something?”
23 ___ Lobos 25 California/Nevada attraction 27 The whole thing 28 Burrito add-on, for short 29 Fashionable sandal 30 Drive-thru drink with a plastic dome 32 Villainous surname in the Super Mario Bros. series 34 Request to the dealer 36 Manufacturer of electronics for kids 37 What automobile interiors may drown out 38 Geologic time periods 42 Sault ___ Marie Canals 44 Candle type 45 He might heal your hamster 49 “Se ___ espa±ol” 50 “___ wisely” 52 Reptilian warning 54 Clueless response 56 Obesity drug Orlistat, over the counter 58 Not too many 60 Business degs. 61 Stripper’s fixture 62 “The Neverending Story” author Michael 63 Jimmy of meat products 65 Half of an eternal balance 66 Movie studio filming site
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE INVITING BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Long Beach, California, acting by and through the City’s Board of Harbor Commissioners (“City”) will receive, before the Bid Deadline established below, Bids for the following Work: ON-CALL SERVICES FOR ASPHALT PAVING, TRAFFIC STRIPING, AND OTHER RELATED SERVICES at VARIOUS LOCATIONS LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA AS DESCRIBED IN SPECIFICATION NO. HD-S3109 Bid Deadline:
NIB -1 Contract Documents. Contract Documents may be downloaded, at no cost, from the Port of Long Beach PB System Vendor Portal website. Bidders must first register as a vendor on the Port of Long Beach PB System website in order to view and download the Contract Documents, to be added to the prospective bidders list, and to receive addendum notifications when issued. For the link to the Port of Long Beach PB System and for information on this Project and other upcoming Port projects, you may view the Port website at www.polb.com/business/ business-opportunities.
Prior to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Bids shall be submitted electronically via the Port of Long Beach PlanetBids (PB) System prior to 2:00 p.m.
Bid Opening:
Electronic Bid (eBid) results shall be viewable online in the PB System immediately after the Bid Deadline.
Contract Documents Available:
Download Contract Documents from the Port of Long Beach PB System Vendor Portal: www.polb.com/sbe Click on the POLB Vendor Portal 1. Register and Log In 2. Click “Bid Opportunities” 3. Double-click on respective bid Project Title 4. Click on Document/Attachments tab 5. Double-Click on Title of Electronic Attachment 6. Click “Download Now” 7. Repeat for each attachment
Pre-Bid Meeting:
None.
Project Contact Person:
Deepen Upadhya, Deepen.Upadhyay@polb.com
Please refer to the Port of Long Beach PB System for the most current information.
NIB -2 Pre-Bid Questions. All questions, including requests for interpretation or correction, or comments regarding the Contract Documents, must be submitted no later than January 5, 2021, at 5 p.m. Questions received after the pre-Bid question deadline will not be accepted. Questions must be submitted electronically through the PB System. Emails, phone calls, and faxes will not be accepted. Questions submitted to City staff will not be addressed and Bidder will be directed to the PB System. NIB -3 Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Visit. There will not be a pre-bid meeting or site visit for this project. The City makes no guarantee that existing construction and site conditions matches construction depicted on record reference documents. It shall be the Bidder’s responsibility to identify existing conditions. Note that downloading all available documents can be used to satisfy a portion of a Bidder’s good faith efforts to meet the SBE/VSBE participation goals listed below. NIB -4 Summary Description of the Work. The Work required by this Contract includes, but is not limited to providing and conducting asphalt pavement milling, application of slurry sealing, installation of paving materials, miscellaneous pavement patching and repairing services, construction and repair of curbs, gutters and sidewalks at specified locations. NIB -5 Contract Time and Liquidated Damages. The Contractor shall achieve Affidavit of Final Completion of the Project within
two (2) years as provided in Paragraph SC - 6.1 of the Special Conditions, from a date specified in a written “Notice to Proceed” issued by the City and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8.2 of the General Conditions. FAILURE OF THE CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE THE WORK WITHIN THE CONTRACT TIME AND OTHER MILESTONES SET FORTH IN THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING THE ENGINEER’S APPROVAL OF AFFIDAVIT OF FINAL COMPLETION, WILL RESULT IN ASSESSMENT OF LIQUIDATED DAMAGES IN THE AMOUNTS ESTABLISHED IN THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS. NIB -6 Contractor’s License. The Bidder shall hold a current and valid Class “A” or “C12” California Contractor’s License to construct this project. NIB -7 Contractor Performed Work. The Contractor shall perform, with its own employees, Contract Work amounting to at least 30% of the Contract Price, except that any designated “Specialty Items” may be performed by subcontract. The amount of any such “Specialty Items” so performed may be deducted from the Contract Price before computing the amount required to be performed by the Contractor with its own employees. “Specialty Items” will be identified by the City on the Schedule of Bid Items. The bid price of any materials or equipment rental costs from vendors who are solely furnishing materials or rental equipment and are not performing Work as a licensed subcontractor on this project shall also be deducted from the Contract Price before computing the amount required to be performed by the Contractor with its own employees. NIB -8 SBE/VSBE. This project is subject to the Port of Long Beach (POLB)
DBA FILINGS [from p. 18]
12/10/20, 12/22/20
12/04/20, 12/10/20, 12/22/20
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020161148 The following person is doing business as:(1) Luxe Linen, 2803 E. 208th Street, Carson, CA 90810, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: The Diva Hair
This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. No Contractor or Subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public POLB expects all Bidders to works project unless regisachieve the combined SBE/ VSBE participation goal. tered with the Department of Industrial Relations purAward of the Contract will suant to Labor Code Secbe conditioned on the Bidtion 1725.5 (with limited exder submitting an SBE-2C ceptions from this requireCommitment Plan demonment for bid purposes only strating the Bidder’s intent under Labor Code Section to meet the combined SBE/ 1771.1(a)). No Contractor VSBE participation goal. If or Subcontractor may be the Bidder’s Commitment awarded a contract for pubPlan does not demonstrate lic work on a public works intent to meet the combined project unless registered goal, the Bidder shall demwith the Department of Inonstrate that it made an dustrial Relations pursuadequate good faith effort ant to Labor Code Section to do so, as specified in the 1725.5. Instructions to Bidders. The Port’s SBE Program staff is Contractors and Subconavailable to provide informatractors must furnish election on the program requiretronic Certified Payroll Rements, including SBE certicords (CPRs) to the Labor fication assistance. Please Commissioner’s Office, and contact the SBE Office at in addition, hardcopies or (562) 283-7598 or sbeproelectronic copies shall be gram@polb.com. You may furnished to the Port of Long also view the Port’s SBE Beach. program requirements at www.polb.com/sbe. NIB -10 Project Labor Agreement. This project is NIB -9 Prevailing Wage not covered by a PLA. Requirements per Department of Industrial RelaNIB -11 Trade Names tions. This Project is a puband Substitution of lic work Contract as defined Equals. With the exception in Labor Code Section 1720. of any sole source determiThe Contractor receiving nation that may be identified award of the Contract and in this paragraph, Bidders Subcontractors of any tier wishing to obtain City’s shall pay not less than the authorization for substituprevailing wage rates to all tion of equivalent material, workers employed in execuproduct, or equipment, are tion of the Contract. The Direquired to submit a writrector of Industrial Relations ten request for an Or Equal of the State of California has Substitution using the form determined the general preincluded in Appendix A vailing rates of wages in the together with data substanlocality in which the Work is tiating Bidder’s representato be performed. The rate tion that the non-specified schedules are available on item is of equal quality to the the internet at http://www. item specified, no later than dir.c a .gov/dlsr/ D Pr eWfourteen (14) calendar ageDetermination.htm days after City’s issuance and on file at the City, availof Notice to Proceed (NTP). able upon request. Bidders Authorization of a substitution is solely within the discretion of the City. NIB -12
Jewelry $ Accessories, Inc., 2803 E. 208th Street, Carson, CA 90810. This Business is conducted by a corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 02/2015. 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/. Gary Wexler, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 10/13/20. 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 expire 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 of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code). Original filing: 11/24/20, 12/04/20, 12/10/20, 12/22/20
Not Used.
NIB -13 Bid Security, Signed Contract, Insurance and Bonds. Each Bid shall be accompanied by a satisfactory Bidder’s Bond or other acceptable Bid Security in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid as a guarantee that the Bidder will, if Conditionally Awarded a Contract by the Board, within thirty (30) calendar days after the Contract is conditionally awarded to the Contractor by the City, execute and deliver such Contract to the Chief Harbor Engineer together with all required documents including insurance forms, a Payment Bond for one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and a Performance Bond for one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract
Price. All Bonds shall be on forms provided by the City. NIB -14 C o n d i t i o n a l Award of Contract and Reservation of Rights. The Board, acting through the Executive Director, reserves the right at any time before the execution of the Contract by the City, to reject any or all Bids, and to waive any informality or irregularity. The Conditional Award of the Contract, if any, will be to the responsible Bidder submitting the lowest responsive and responsible Bid. If the lowest responsive responsible Bidder fails to submit the required documents including insurance forms, bonds and signed Contract within thirty (30) calendar days after Conditional Award of Contract, the Board reserves the right to rescind the Conditional Award and Conditionally Award the Contract to the next lowest responsive and responsible Bidder. NIB -15 Period of Bid Irrevocability. Bids shall remain open and valid and Bidder’s Bonds and other acceptable Bid Security shall be guaranteed and valid for ninety (90) calendar days after the Bid Deadline or until the Executive Director executes a Contract, whichever occurs first. NIB -16 Substitution of Securities. Substitution of Securities for retainage is permitted in accordance with Section 22300 of the Public Contract Code. NIB -17 Iran Contracting Act of 2010. In accordance with Public Contract Code sections 2200-2208, every person who submits a bid or proposal for entering into or renewing contracts with the City for goods or services estimated at $1,000,000 or more are required to complete, sign, and submit the “Iran Contracting Act of 2010 Compliance Affidavit.” Issued at Long Beach, California, this 14th day of September, 2020. Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Harbor Department, City of Long Beach, California Note: For project updates after Bid Opening, please contact p la ns . sp e c s@p olb. com.
November 24 - December 2, 2020
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020161140 The following person is doing business as:(1) Global G. Hair Cosmetics USA, 29648 N. Enrose Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Carlos Polichenco, 1259 W. 24th St, Unit #1, San Pedro, CA 90731. Marco Bird, 1622 Linda Vista, Pasadena, CA 91103. This Business is conducted by a general partnership. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious busi-
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 of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code). Original filing: 11/24/20,
The combined SBE/VSBE participation goal for this Project is twenty percent (20%) of total bid value. The combined SBE/VSBE participation goal shall include a minimum five percent (5%) of total bid value as VSBE.
are directed to Article 15 of the General Conditions for requirements concerning payment of prevailing wages, payroll records, hours of work and employment of apprentices.
(see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions code). Original filing: 11/24/20, 12/04/20,
ness name or names listed above: N/A. 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/. Carlos Polichenco, President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 10/13/20. 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 expire 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a
Small Business Enterprises (SBE)/Very Small Business Enterprises (VSBE) Program.
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For assistance in downloading these documents please contact Port of Long Beach Plans and Specs Desk at 562-283-7353.
Copies of all Port insurance endorsement forms, SBE/ VSBE Program forms, Harbor Development Permit Applications and other Port forms are available at www. polb.com/business/permits.
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November 24 - December 2, 2020
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