September 18, 2020 | Vol. XLII No. 39

Serving Bixby Knolls, California Heights, Los Cerritos, Wrigley and Signal Hill with 30,000 issues every Friday

VOL. XLII NO. 39

Your Weekly Community Newspaper

www.signaltribune.com

EDUCATION

September 18, 2020 SIGNAL HILL ELECTIONS

Element5 Digital | Pexels

Inside: Meet your candidates Karla Enriquez | Signal Tribune

Rising Scholars members, including Co-founders Adrian Vasquez and Irene Sotelo (pictured center), at one of their General Meetings in 2019. Their goal of bringing a chapter of Project Rebound to CSULB has finally been realized and groundwork is being laid out.

A NEW BEGINNING

Rising Scholars and Project Rebound provide resources for formerly incarcerated students Karla Enriquez Online Editor

When Irene Sotelo transferred to California State University, Long Beach in 2016, she didn’t realize that in turning a new leaf, she and her new colleagues were forging a legacy that would help other students who had been formerly incarcerated navigate college.

Sotelo, who is currently working on her own master’s degree, is the co-founder of Rising Scholars, a student-run organization at CSULB that is a resource for formerly incar-

cerated students who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and allies, whose goal is to also foster a sense of belonging. The program helps members navigate through the college process.

According to Sotelo, she was looking for a change when she began her higher education journey and enrolled at Cerritos College. She had traversed a road of addiction after going into remission from cervical cancer in the late ‘90s. Sotelo became addicted to the pain medication that had been prescribed to her and when she could no longer get it, she was

introduced to meth. For Sotelo, this gave her the freedom to do everything she wasn’t able to do while bedridden.

During this time, she lost her home and she lost her family. She also temporarily lost her freedom.

“I was sentenced to 3 years, but you get half the time for good behavior, so 18 months,” Sotelo said of the time she spent in prison after being found in a Long Beach motel with fake credit card numbers while see SCHOLARS page 6

Anita W. Harris Senior Writer

Signal Hill voters will get a chance to change up their city council during the Nov. 3 elections.

Three incumbents– Mayor Robert Copeland and Councilmembers Lori Woods and Edward Wilson– are running to retain their seats on the council after completing four-year terms.

But one newcomer– Terry Rogers, a city commissioner and realtor– may replace an incumbent if residents so decide.

The Signal Tribune asked all four candidates to share their experience, vision for the city and anything else they’d like Signal Hill voters to know about them. see SIGNAL HILL ELECTIONS page 2

A Growing Community: Plant shop collects donations for Pro Bono ASL Plantiitas in Long Beach sells plants to teach self care Kristen Farrah Naeem Staff Writer

Kristen Farrah-Naeem | Signal Tribune

Plantiitas owners Anthony Diaz and Kevin Alcaraz donated 10% of the proceeds from a pop sale to Pro Bono ASL, which provides sign language interpretation at Black Lives Matter protests to increase accessibility for the Deaf community.

A newly formed plant business, Plantiitas, is helping communities of color reconnect to their mental health and ancestral roots through the care of plants.

Come checkout our expanded outdoor dining and carhop service! * Dining Room Closed

Anthony Diaz, Plantiitas co-owner, greeted and conversed with Deaf customers in American Sign Language during a weekend pop up sale intended to raise funds for Pro Bono ASL, a collective of interpreters who provide ASL translation at Black Lives Matter protests. Ten percent of all sales during the event from Saturday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 13 went towards benefitting Pro Bono ASL. “That’s such an important piece, you know,” Diaz said, “having the Deaf community, especially Deaf Black and brown people, at those

protests standing up and speaking against police brutality, injustices by the state and stuff like that.

That’s something that’s close to my heart. Both the discussion on just police brutality, racism, but then accessibility, language accessibility. So I just felt it was kind of a way that I could show up for Black lives, for brown lives, especially for Deaf brown and Black people.”

Many of the customers who attended the pop up and brought home new plants had already met see PLANTS page 7

We’re bringing back the classic CARHOP service! Here’s how it works: • Park in our lot • Call 562-612-3456• Ask for a carhop Enjoy #JimmyEs in the comfort of your car!

Open at 11 s a Tues m day thro u Satu gh rday !

2

Signal Tribune

Signal Hill Election

ELECTION

September 18, 2020

continued from page 1

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

Edward Wilson

Terry Rogers

First elected in 1997, Edward Wilson is now seeking his seventh term on the city council.

Wilson told the Signal Tribune that during his time on the council, he’s brought to fruition visions like developing million-dollar homes on the hill and building the city’s budget reserve-funds. ​ As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Wilson said he understands budgets and the importance of safeguarding and managing the city’s resources.

He said he wants the city to prosper and be financially stable following the impact of COVID-19 and its impact on sales-tax revenue.

To help ensure that, Wilson said he supports the planned development of Heritage Square as a community center and a multilevel premium-outlet mall at Atlantic Avenue and Spring Street, with the top floor devoted to restaurants with patios and views to the ocean.

He also supports a movie theater and hotel at that location, which he said would help make the city a regional draw to boost its sales-tax revenue. Wilson noted that he is currently pursuing an MA degree in urban planning at USC. Another way to ensure economic security is through allowing cannabis businesses to operate in the city, Wilson said. Signal Hill does not currently allow such businesses.

As controller for a cannabis cultivator in Long Beach, Wilson said that a 22,000 square-foot cultivation business would yield more than $200,000 in annual tax revenue for the city.

“If we had a car dealership that did that, we’d be really excited about it,” he said.

Wilson added that Signal Hill residents are supportive of cannabis, since 64% had voted to approve the state’s 2016 measure legalizing recreational marijuana.

“In 15-20 years, it’s just going to be normal for those kids that are growing up now,” he said.

In terms of those young people, Wilson advocated for the city to keep its youth sports and recreation program during last year’s council budget discussion.

“Youth are our future,” he said, adding that

Since moving here in 2001, Terry Rogers has been deeply involved in Signal Hill’s business community and municipal activities.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to this city because I really do love it and its people,” Rogers told the Signal Tribune, noting that she is neither married nor has children. “I am known for being honored by all levels of local government for my leadership and service to community.”

Rogers currently serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission, though she also does much more.

Rogers notes she is an award-winning realtor specializing in luxury and commercial properties in Signal Hill and has served as president of the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce for five years, educating local small businesses and encouraging networking.

Rogers is also a founding board member of the Signal Hill Police Foundation, which sponsors police department events such as its National Night Out, Popsicles with Police, Christmas Toy Drive and an annual open house.

“I bring many years of hard work, passion and dedication that I have cultivated towards the greater good of our residents, businesses and city,” Rogers said.

Furthermore, Rogers serves as vice president of the nonprofit Signal Hill Community Foundation, helping raise capital-campaign funds to enhance the library and programs for seniors and children.

“One of my most memorable accomplishments was serving on the city’s Library Design Committee to design and plan our new library [completed in 2019],” Rogers said.

She also serves as secretary of the nonprofit Signal Hill Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving the city’s history and fundraising for its events.

Also secretary for the nonprofit Friends of the Library, Rogers coordinates book sales to fund library programs and materials.

And she is a frequent volunteer at city events, including Spring Fest, Halloween Carnival, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Hounds on the Hill, and

Courtesy City of Signal Hill

parks programs are part of public safety, giving kids a place to go between school and when their parents get home, and sports fosters pride in the city.

“When you have productive things for kids to do, the better we are as a community,” Wilson said. “They learn a lot of valuable lessons. Having them in our [Signal Hill] parks allows them to be close to home as well.”

Another element that Wilson brings to the council is diversity, he said, noting that he had been the only person of color ever elected in the city’s history until 2019, when Carmen Brooks, who is African American like Wilson, was elected as city clerk.

“When people point to Signal Hill’s diversity, they also point to me– that I’m elected and have been mayor five times,” Wilson said.

However, Wilson also mentioned the council’s decision not to rotate him in as mayor for the sixth time in March, noting that some residents subsequently wrote to the council accusing it of systemic racism.

“Acts can be racist from people that are not racist,” Wilson said. “You don’t have to be a racist to commit a racist act.”

Nevertheless, Wilson helped write a city resolution during the worldwide protests over George Floyd’s killing on May 25, advocating for equality and condemning systemic racism.

“I believe that as the city continues to grow and change, that everyone is included and everyone’s voice is heard,” Wilson said. “So we get the best of everyone we have to make our whole community better.”

Robert Copeland

Lori Woods

Copeland has been a Signal Hill resident for 18 years and involved in its government since 2008, beginning as volunteer chairperson of the Sustainable City Committee.

Residents elected him city clerk in 2015 and then to the city council in 2017.

Copeland has been serving as the city’s mayor since March, a position that rotates annually among the five councilmembers.

“Based upon all of this experience, I believe an effective councilmember engages the community and applies sound reasoning and judgment when making decisions,” Copeland told the Signal Tribune.

Over his 12 years of public service, Copeland said he’s participated in numerous city events to meet and talk with people to help him make decisions.

“I make it a point to actively engage residents to understand their concerns as I form an opinion on a topic,” Copeland said. “It is especially helpful to talk with those who have an opposing viewpoint so I can better understand all of the impacts.”

Copeland said his priorities for the city– including its children– stem from that interaction.

“My vision for the City of Signal Hill is to ensure a safe and connected community that is self-sufficient and inclusive of all residents, businesses and guests,” he said. “My priorities for my next term represent steps toward my long-term vision.”

Copeland said those priorities include, in his words: • Public safety– reimagining how to keep residents and businesses safe.

• Community services– ensure continued delivery and enhancement of youth and senior programs.

• Economic recovery– position residents, businesses, and the city for the swiftest recovery.

• Housing and business development– balance development to provide appropriate housing and

First elected in 2013, Lori Woods is now seeking her third term on the city council.

“An effective councilmember is one that is passionate about Signal Hill and dedicated to making decisions to the benefit of all residents,” Woods told the Signal Tribune. “As a resident and homeowner for 22 years and councilmember for the past [seven] years, I take the responsibility as an elected official very seriously.”

According to the city’s website, during her year as mayor in 2016-17, Woods developed a neighborhood-based emergency-preparedness plan and a program encouraging residents to shop locally.

Woods also noted her previous experience as an executive secretary, property manager, real-estate professional, wife and mother– and soon-to-be grandmother.

“All have provided me the ability to look at opportunities and challenges from more than one side and to gather all the information needed to help make the best decisions possible,” Woods said.

She credits the council for its collective decision-making skills and experience, especially during the current pandemic.

“Each councilmember brings a unique perspective to decisions that must be made and together we’ve made some pretty incredible advances for a city of our size,” Woods said.

“We anticipate some serious challenges following the effects of COVID-19 and will need experienced councilmembers to guide us through.”

Her other priority for the city is securing its financial base.

“I believe that Signal Hill is one of the bestrun and stable cities in Southern California because of the conservative and prudent decisions that have been made for years,” Woods said.

“That does not mean that the future of Signal Hill will be as stable.”

Courtesy City of Signal Hill

excellent retail.

In terms of what else residents should know about him, Copeland said his experience as mayor during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic allowed him to facilitate healthy discussions and a path forward with community input.

“The impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on city finances will continue well into the future,” Copeland said. “It is critical for the City to continue to make prudent long-term decisions to ensure important community services are delivered with our reduced budget.”

As mayor, Copeland said he has also facilitated council discussions and actions on race relations, following the killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd at the end of May. “Recovery from the events of 2020 is only part of the picture,” Copeland said. “The city needs councilmembers who are vested in the future of the community and who are connected and available to residents and businesses.”

With degrees in law, business and chemistry, Copeland is a registered patent attorney, according to the city’s website. He is married with two children.

“All elections are important and this is a particularly important one,” he said. “There are many decisions that benefit from a reasoned approach and I believe I offer this as a councilmember.”

Courtesy Terry Rogers

has helped sponsor events such as Concerts in the Parks and Rock for Vets.

“Through my involvement, my specialty is understanding the dynamics of the community’s needs,” Rogers said. “I have my finger on the pulse of the city to know where we need to improve.”

Those improvements include public safety and economic development, Rogers said.

“I want to work with our police and community to reduce crime in these challenging times and develop solutions for homelessness,” she said.

In terms of development, Rogers said she wants to see new enterprises in the city that create job opportunities while strengthening current businesses.

She also wants to see specific development projects completed, including a hotel, shopping and movie-theater complex planned on Spring Street between Atlantic and Orange avenues; a proposed light-industrial complex at the corner of Orange Avenue and Spring Street; and Heritage Square, a planned housing complex with shopping, restaurants and community-gathering space at Cherry Avenue and Burnett Street.

Rogers also wants to see the city improve its cultural diversity through education programs, complete a proposed View Park and turn the former library into a senior center.

“All of these will make Signal Hill a better place to live, work and play,” Rogers said. “It would be an honor to serve you, and I respectfully ask for your vote.”

File Photo

Woods envisions the council working diligently on creative ways to stabilize the city’s revenue sources, she said. The city relies on auto and retail sales taxes for 65% of its income, according to its budget.

Woods encouraged voters to approve a Nov. 3 ballot measure increasing the city’s sales tax by .75 cents.

“Voters should look closely at the ballot measure to increase our local sales tax,” Woods said.

“This sales-tax increase will definitely go a long way in maintaining our financial s​ tability and allow residents to continue enjoying the safety, community programs and infrastructure that has been built and the ability to keep and maintain these benefits that our community deserves.”

Woods said that overall, she’s dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the job first entrusted to her in 2013.

“I believe and appreciate that Signal Hill still has developable land and amazing opportunities ahead,” Woods said. “Things may not always happen quickly in Signal Hill, but when they do happen they are successful and stable. I look forward to continue being a part of bringing that stability to Signal Hill, if I still have the trust of the voters.”

NEWS

September 18, 2020 LONG BEACH CITY COUNCIL

3

Signal Tribune

Ayanna Cares In Home Care Services

Including Alzheimers Patients

• Adult Daycare • Post Hospital Care • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping

LIVES LIVED

Mary Bennett 86

Ayanna & Dwyane Armstead

Randy McDonald 68

For the Elderly and Physically Handicapped

William Henning 90

OďŹƒce: (562) 633-2195 Cell: (562) 576-3893 License# 011231

Toni Lobosco 77

www.ayannacares.com

Donald Murphy 58 Robert Johnson 75 Rachel Crawford 97

Lissette Mendoza | Signal Tribune

Jacqueline Zbur 58

A parklet adjacent to Jongewaard’s Bake n Broil located in Bixby Knolls. The parklet program was set to expire Oct. 31, but has since been extended to the end of this year.

Aaron Harris 35

Parklets will remain in place, for now Emma DiMaggio Production Manager

Residents’ favorite restaurant parklets are here to stay, at least until the end of the year.

At their Tuesday, Sept. 15 meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved an extension of the parklet program, which was set to expire Oct. 31, to the end of this year. “It’s been a complete lifeline for so many restaurants,� Mayor Robert Garcia said. “Our small businesses are hurting, as we all know, and the open streets program has really provided a lift.�

The open-air dining spaces allow restaurants to extend their services into sidewalks, streets and parking lots, allowing them to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions by providing room for social distancing.

The decision also includes a

consideration to make the parklets on Pine Avenue from Broadway to 3rd Street a permanent feature of the Downtown area. Any streets currently blocked off will continue to be closed to accommodate parklets until the end of the year. “It’s a natural evolution of the way that we conduct businesses and support our local businesses,�

Councilmember Roberto Uranga said. “I think it’ll be a great opportunity for people to visit downtown.�

The permanent extension may spread up Pine Avenue all the way to 4th Street and 5th Street. Councilmember Mary Zendejas made a friendly amendment to have city staff look into the possibility of such an extension.

Not every district has benefitted from the Neighborhood Open Streets program. According to the city, open streets are “low speed, low volume residential streets

where cut-through traffic can be limited to create more outdoor space and encourage physically-distanced walking, biking, and skating.�

So far, there are over 200 parklets in Long Beach, with most clustered around the Downtown and coastal area.

In some areas, the speed of traffic creates safety concerns for parklet creation. Councilmember Al Austin said he’d like to see parklets in the Bixby Knolls business district. He’s currently working with staff to come up with solutions to reduce the speed of traffic in that area. “It’s very important for our businesses to survive, particularly considering everything that they have endured during this year and this pandemic,� Austin said. “We have work to do in some of our business districts, to get these businesses the support that they need.�

Set up your trust today to avoid probate and to prevent Medi-Cal recovery.

Make things easy for your loved ones.

3900 Kilroy Airport Way Ste. 240 Long Beach, CA 90806

YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR WILLS, TRUSTS AND PROBATE

Aceves 52 Robert Malicki 84 Andrew Osman 59 Eliut Miranda 59 The families were assisted

by McKenzie Mortuary.

For more details on service dates and times, contact (562) 961-9301.

Have a craving for some of Lona's Delicious Food?

City Limits Cantina is NOW OPEN with shaded outdoor dining.

-AVOID PROBATE-

SINCE 1961

Domitila Mercado

A complete estate plan package includes a living trust, pour over will, durable power of attorney and advance health care directive.

Flat fee prices include deeds to transfer your real estate to your trusts.

Always no charge consultations for Signal Tribune readers!

Jennifer Sawday, ESQ | (562) 923-0971 | jsawday@tldlaw.com

$1

FULL MENU AVAILABLE along with a full bar.

OPEN Mon - Sun 8 am to 10 pm

TACO TUESDAYS

$1

Ground Beef or Shredded Beef (Dine in Only)

COME JOIN US FOR A BITE & A DRINK - CHEERS!

1174 Wardlow Rd., LB (West of Orange Ave.) 562-427-4630

Find us on Facebook!

Wings • Nachos • Tacos

MANAGING EDITOR

Lissette Mendoza

DIGITAL EDITOR

Karla Enriquez

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Emma DiMaggio

LEGALS COORDINATOR

Katherine Green

SENIOR WRITER

Anita W. Harris

STAFF WRITER

Kristen Farrah Naeem

COLUMNIST

Claudine Burnett

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Wednesday before desired publication date.

The Signal Tribune reserves the right to edit ­letters for grammar, language and space requirements. Letters must be 500 words or fewer. The Signal Tribune will publish no more than one “pro� letter and one “con� letter on a particular topic in a single issue. The Signal ­Tribune does not print letters that refer substantially to articles in other publications and might not print those that have recently been printed in other ­publications or otherwise presented in a public forum. Letters to the editor and commentaries are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Signal Tribune or its staff. Although the editorial staff will attempt to verify and/or correct ­information when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when, and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. This policy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to interview candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday with a circulation of 30,000. Yearly subscriptions are available for $50.

1399 E. 28th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900 www.signaltribune.com newspaper@signaltribune.com

4

NEWS

Signal Tribune

September 18, 2020

HOUSING

Long Beach tenants to begin receiving emergency rental assistance

* FAST DELIVERY *

Staff Report Signal Tribune

A Place for Smoked Meats and Steaks

Our hours are temporarily changing!

4 PM to 9 PM daily.

Visit

Curbside Ordering and Pick-Up available through our website.

Delivery options include GrubHub and UberEats.

Have a lunch meeting? Give us a call 24 hrs in advance!

Se Habla Español

3502 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA • derricksonatlantic.com

dents who have lost income due to COVID-19 and meet federal low-income requirements. The City received more than 2,400 program applications by the July 27, 2020, application due date.

More than 1,700 applications were selected through a lottery process.

Those applications are currently being reviewed, and the remaining applications have been placed on a waiting list. Applications on the waiting list may be reviewed for eligibility as funding permits. New applications are no longer being accepted for the program.

“This program provides critical

relief to renters and landlords impacted by the pandemic in our city,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.

“Providing support to our residents who need it most is more important than ever to help keep our economy going during this challenging time.”

The monthly assistance payments are provided directly to property owners or landlords on behalf of qualifying tenants and will be applicable to rent due during the eligible period from March 27, 2020, until the end of the City’s Safer at Home Health Order. Payments will be processed as applications are approved.

“We remain committed to doing everything that we can to support the City’s renters during this unprecedented time,” said Oscar Orci, Director of Development Services.

The program is funded by a $3 million federal Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) and $2 million in re-appropriated HOME Investment Partnership Program funds.

Additionally, the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has contributed $300,000 in funding for the program.

Last month, the City approved the second extension of an emergency ordinance that halts evictions for residential and certain commercial tenants. In a related effort, the City Council is also currently exploring various assistance options for property owners who have been impacted

by COVID-19, including property tax refunds and the possibility of a revolving loan fund.

498-8788

Following the City Council’s approval of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, the City has begun approving and processing rent payments on behalf of qualified tenants affected by the usCOVID-19 online at pandemic.

The program, which began in July and is administered by the City’s Development Services Department, provides up to $1,000 per month of rental assistance payments for up to three months on behalf of Long Beach resi-

3225 E. PCH • LONG BEACH

www.bigepizza.com * Limited Delivery Area

562-337-8131 Pickup area cleaned twice an hour. • Safe distance markers th for patrons.

* FAST CELEBRATING OUR DELIVERY 34 YEAR*

Staff washing hands after each order. • Drivers wearing masks and gloves.

498-8788

E. PCHwhen • LONG BEACH We appreciate 3225 your support we need it most!

Visit us online at #BigEPizza

www.bigepizza.com

Se Habla Español

* Limited Delivery Area

Almost Always Open

th

CELEBRATING OUR 34 YEAR

We Almost Deliver * FAST DELIVERY * Always Beer & *Wine FAST DELIVERY * Open DOUBLE TROUBLE SPECIAL

2 LARGE PIZZAS with up to 2 toppings

$

99 + TAX 27 Habla Español

498-8788 498-8788

WHAT BEACH A DEAL 3225 E. PCH • LONG JIMMY’S CHOICE

• 1 LARGE PIZZA with 2 toppings PCH Visit us at E. • 1online DOZEN 3225 CHICKEN WINGS 2 LITER CHOICE SODA

SUPER SIZE IT FOR ONLY $6.00 MORE

(THE $6.00 IS FOR THE WHOLE DEAL NOT PER PIZZA) NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

• 1 LARGE PIZZA

www.bigepizza.com 2 Liter of Soda Visit us online at www.bigepizza.com $ 50 $ 99 + TAX + TAX Area * Limited Delivery • LONG BEACH with 3 toppings

27We

18

* Limited Area Se Habla NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER• OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY. NOT VALIDDelivery OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY. Pickup area Español cleaned twice an hour.

Safe distance markers patrons. thWITH ANY OTHERfor Deliver *hour.

FAST DELIVERY * Pickup area cleaned twice an • Safe distance markers for patrons. th Beer & Staff washingPICK handsUP after each order.

•HOME Drivers wearing masks * and gloves.

ALONE SPECIAL *Wine FAST DELIVERY SPECIAL • SMALL PERSONAL PIZZA with 1 topping Monday thru Thursday Staff washing hands after each order. • Drivers wearing • SMALL DINNER masks SALAD and gloves.

SUPER SIZE IT FOR ONLY $3.00 MORE

SUPER SIZE IT FOR ONLY $3.00 MORE

CELEBRATING OUR 34 YEAR CELEBRATING 498-8788 OUR 34 YEAR 498-8788 $ 50 • LARGE SODA • MEDIUM PIZZA with 1 topping: $9.99+ TAX DOUBLE TROUBLE SPECIAL WHAT BEACH A DEAL JIMMY’S CHOICE 3225 E. PCH • LONG • 1/2 WINGS We appreciate your support when • LARGE PIZZA with 1 topping: $12.50 + TAX • 1 LARGE PIZZA • 1 LARGE PIZZA with 2 toppings 2 LARGE PIZZAS 3225 E. PCH • LONG BEACH we need it most!

We appreciate your • XL PIZZA with 1Visit topping: $14.50 + TAX CHICKEN • 1online DOZEN WINGS when + TAXwith 3 toppings with up to 2 toppings us at support 2 Liter of Soda #BigEPizza 2we LITER CHOICE SODA need it most! $ 99 + TAX PICK UP ONLY. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

27 e Habla Español

www.bigepizza.com 17 Visit us online at www.bigepizza.com $ 50 + TAX $ #BigEPizza 99 + TAX

* Limited Area 27 18 DeliveryBIGEFEB2020VS Almost * Limited Delivery Area Se Habla Español Almost Always th Always Open th HOME ALONE SPECIAL PICK UP SPECIAL Open • SMALL PERSONAL PIZZA with 1 topping Monday thru Thursday NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

SUPER SIZE IT FOR ONLY $6.00 MORE

(THE $6.00 IS FOR THE WHOLE DEAL NOT PER PIZZA) NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

Distributed with RetailMeNot Everyday™

SUPER SIZE IT FOR ONLY $3.00 MORE

SUPER SIZE IT FOR ONLY $3.00 MORE

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

CELEBRATING OUR 34 YEAR CELEBRATING OUR 34 YEAR

BIGEFEB2020VS-012820.indd 1

1/13/20 11:22 AM

• MEDIUM PIZZA with 1 topping: $9.99+ TAX • LARGE PIZZA with 1 topping: $12.50+ TAX • XL PIZZA with 1 topping: $14.50+ TAX PICK UP ONLY. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

• SMALL DINNER SALAD • LARGE SODA • 1/2 WINGS

$

1750

+ TAX

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMITED TIME ONLY.

We We Almost We Deliver Deliver Almost

BIGEFEB2020VS

Distributed with RetailMeNot Everyday™

Signal Tribune

September 18, 2020

FIND A CAUSE Search over 150 participating nonprofits impacting our community to discover one that is making a difference for a cause that is important to you.

GIVE LOCAL Learn about each nonprofit and how crucial your donation, especially this year, is to fulfilling their mission-critical services in Long Beach.

GROW MORE GOOD With the support of prize sponsors and challenge funds secured by nonprofits, your donation goes farther.

5

6

PUBLIC NOTICES/NEWS

Signal Tribune

EYE ON CRIME CRIMES REPORTED BY THE SIGNAL HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Thursday, September 10 5:58 a.m., Burglary, 2200 block E. 28th St. 7:58 p.m., False imprisonment; inflict corporate injury on spouse/ cohabitant, 1800 block Stanley Ave. (suspect arrested) Friday, September 11 12:55 p.m., Elder abuse, 2000 block Alamitos Ave. 4:21 p.m., Burglary, retail merchandise less than $950, 900 block, E. 33rd St. (citation issued) Saturday, September 12 4:02 a.m., Spousal abuse, 900 block Vernon St. 7:57 p.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 2600 block Cherry Ave. Sunday, September 13 10:23 a.m., Auto burglary, 2400 block California Ave. 10:32 a.m., Possessing unlawful paraphernalia; carrying concealed dirk or dagger, 1600 E. Willow St. (suspect arrested) 1:19 p.m., Burglary, retail merchandise less than $950, 900 block E. 33rd St. (citation issued) 2:04 p.m., Person with a knife, 900 block E. 33rd St. 5:48 p.m., Possession narcotic controlled substance, evading Peace Officer; burglary, retail merchandise less than $950, 2400 block Cherry Ave. (suspect arrested) 6:10 p.m., Grand theft, 2200 block E. Willow St.

TSTST6296 PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Sec.106 of the Programmatic Agreement, T-Mobile West, LLC plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility at 660 33rd Street Signal Hill, CA 90755 . Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818898-4866 regarding site LA02457A. TST6288 / 2020 109786 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person is doing business as: MAC’S BARBER SHOP, 915 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90807.

Registrant: GREGORY VICTOR MCCORMACK, 915 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by: an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. Signed: Gregory Victor McCormack. The registrant has begun to use this fictitious business name.

The registrant began using this fictitious business name in June, 2020. This statement was filed with the county clerk of Los Angeles County on July 22, 2020. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. 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 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune: August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2020.

Monday, September 14 12:11 a.m., Grand theft – motor vehicle, 2500 block E. 28th St. 4:33 a.m., DUI, Obispo Ave. north of E. Hill St., (citation issued) 11:49 a.m., Elder abuse, 2000 block Alamitos Ave. 2:28 p.m., Grand theft, 700 block E. 29th St. Tuesday, September 15 9:34 a.m., Auto burglary, 1100 block E. Burnett St. 11:31 a.m., Forgery, 2700 block Walnut Ave. Wednesday, September 16 9:38 a.m., Stolen vehicle – recovered, 700 block Walton Ave. 10:01 a.m., Grand theft, 2400 block Cherry Ave. LBPD reporting system is still down.

Have a leak?

Pet of the week:

Stevie Nicks

Wouldn’t you love to love her?

Her name is Stevie Nicks, and indeed, she is like a cat in the dark. In fact, she’s like a cat no matter what position the sun sits in the sky. Like her famous namesake, this beautiful 5-year-old masked girl can be mysterious and shy at first meeting, but once she gets to know you, she’s happy and playful and would love to love you back. Can you promise her heaven? Make an appointment to meet her. Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through email, so contact AnimalRescue@ longbeach.gov to meet Stevie Nicks. Ask for ID#A647124.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

LET US CHECK! RETIRED COUPLE FREE LEAK ASSESSMENT! Has $$$$ to lend on Pete’s Plumbing • BATHROOMS (562) 425-2373 petes-plumbing.com

• KITCHENS • LANDSCAPING LINES

We’re in a drought... don’t leak it out!

California Real Estate*

V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING

Principal

(818) 248-0000 Broker

WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans CA Department of Real Estate License #01041073 Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional loans

September 18, 2020

Scholars

continued from page 1

having drug transportation charges pending.

Years after leaving prison, she found herself in the classroom of James Binnall, assistant professor of law, criminology, and criminal justice at CSULB. He connected her with other students who had been formerly incarcerated, Adrian Vasquez and Joe Luis Hernandez, and Rising Scholars was born.

Rising Scholars Rising Scholars has been responsible for a number of campus events that address issues that impact students who were formerly incarcerated. One such event was a panel, “From Death to Life,” that included actor Danny Trejo, whose goal was to discuss how those who have been formerly incarcerated are portrayed, as reported by the campus newspaper The Daily 49er.

The Rising Scholars Education Lab is another resource the student organization provides where members offer at-risk-youth and people who have been formerly incarcerated, guidance on higher education and college applications.

With the pandemic still underway, Rising Scholars looks different than it did last year, trading its familial conference room meetings for Zoom.

“I thought it was going to be a challenge […] but I found that this past couple of weeks, I have more people,” Sotelo said to the Signal Tribune of her last meeting where members, who had not been able to attend previous meetings due to scheduling conflicts, showed up.

She happily announced that Rising Scholars had a new member, a student she had met in one of her classes, who was also interested in joining the recently announced Project Rebound chapter at CSULB. “We are going to combine efforts because we serve the same population,” Sotelo said of the student org and the campus program.

“Rising Scholars is for everybody that wants to be involved to help, they don’t have to be formerly incarcerated, we have allies, we have system impacted [folks] and we’ve become a family.”

Project Rebound at CSULB According to Binnall, one of the major goals when starting Rising Scholars was to bring Project Rebound to CSULB and almost three years later it’s becoming a reality.

According to the Cal State University website, Project Rebound is a program that supports the reintegration and higher education of formerly incarcerated folks who enroll at the California State University.

“By connecting students with critical resources, Project Rebound constructs an alternative to the revolving door policy of mass incarceration and increases community strength and safety,” the CSU website states.

The program was started in 1967 by professor John Irwin in order to enroll students at San Francisco State “directly from the criminal justice system.”

According to Binnall, who is the Executive Director of the program, the groundwork is currently being laid out for the CSULB chapter and he hopes to have everything ready by the end of the academic year.

Students who were formerly incarcerated are already expressing

interest in Project Rebound according to Sotelo. “They’re coming in, the ones who didn’t self-identify are now self-identifying,” she said.

“You can finally take that breath of relief, it’s here,” Sotelo said.

“Our hard work is done so far. We made it to this point, the finish line, we crossed that line already.”

Project Rebound Cal State LA For a glance at what Project Rebound does for students who were formerly incarcerated, look no further than California State University, Los Angeles.

Allen Burnett, a Project Rebound member, proudly shared with his then high school-aged daughter a lot of the work he was doing at Cal State LA while he was a resident in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations (CDCR).

“She was so inspired that she wanted to become a teacher,” Burnett said. “And so she ended up applying to Cal State LA when she graduated from high school.”

Burnett stated to the Signal Tribune that he was incarcerated for 28 years without the possibility for parole after being charged with being an “aider and abetter in kidnap, robbery, murder.” In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted his sentence.

Burnett had turned to higher education while in prison, earning an AA in three different areas and started work on his bachelor’s.

Right before coming out of prison, he received a letter from Project Rebound letting him know that they were available.

“I was able to share that with my parole board in regards to my support group,” Burnett said. “When I come out, not only do I have my parole officer, my family, I also [have] Project Rebound as well.”

“It’s been super beneficial,” Burnett said of the program. “It’s helped me with socialization and being able to know that there are other returning citizens who are part of Project Rebound who have paved the way for individuals like myself to have some success with the college experience.”

Among some of the resources Burnett is currently receiving is enrollment in CalFresh and support with navigating programs like Canvas or Zoom at any time he may need it.

Burnett shared that one of the struggles for people like himself, returning citizens who are older, is the intimidation that comes with asking someone half their age for help and not understanding it on the first try, but it’s situations like these that Project Rebound alleviates.

Currently, Burnett is one semester away from finishing his bachelor’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis on organizational communication and consults for an organization that helps residents in CDCR prepare for the parole board and the attorneys that are assigned to represent them.

“There is an avenue for people that are incarcerated to be able to come out and still earn a degree and receive help,” Burnett said.

“You can actually come home and become a professor[…] There are resources available, don’t shirk your opportunity to earn your ticket to higher education.”

September 18, 2020

COMMUNITY/ARTS

Plants continued from page 1

of Earth, is now thought to have been significantly altered and cultivated by the ancient Indigenous people of the area, who may be responsible for the prominence of useful plants such as brazil nut, the rubber tree, the maripa palm and the cocoa tree.

Plantiitas also believes that teaching people plant care will translate into them learning self care skills as well. For the repotting webinar, participants will name their plant after themselves to get used to using terms that identify how they’re doing personally.

“Within our culture it’s pretty much a taboo to speak about your mental health in general, right, but especially for communities of color, we’ve been so marginalized from the discussions of mental health, that I really want to help kind of start the discussion– not really start it but continue that discussion with our community because obviously other folks are already engaged in this type of work,” Diaz said. “I think talking about a plant, and its health and its condition is a great way for us to even start practicing using those words. You know, ‘my plant is healthy, it’s thriving,’ or ‘my plant is looking kind of sad, it’s not doing so well, it’s struggling.’

Those words can easily translate to our condition.”

Diaz started Plantiitas with his husband, Kevin Alcaraz, shortly before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in March. Diaz credits Alcaraz as the creative brains behind the business.

“It started with my husband making handmade macrames,” Diaz said, “and really this is his vision and I’m just able to kind of come behind him. He’s more of the inventor and the innovator, so I couldn’t get this started. Some of these things, like the racks, he made himself by hand. He’s so creative. He’s the one that has the vision, and so I come behind him to kind of give support on the business end, on management, but also just being labor, like physically moving stuff around.”

7

Signal Lock T inribune your price before May 10th.

Call for details.

• Hundreds of local references • Over 35 years experience • Bixby Knolls resident • Hundreds of SPRINGTIME LoCaL referenCes • Licensed & fully insured (General & Worker’s • SAVINGS oLiability ver 40 yearsComp)

LockexperienCe in your price “A-rated” • Bbefore ixBy KnoLLs resident May 10th. on angieslist.com LiCensed • B onded • insured Call forusdetails.

Check out at “A-rated” on angieslist.com

NextDoor.com

• Hundreds local Check us out atof NextDoor.com Contractor’s 629882 ContraCtor’License s LiCense ##629882

references • Over 35 years experience • Bixby Knolls resident & • BOOKKEEPING Licensed & fully insured (General Liability & Worker’s Comp) TAX SERVICES

“A-rated” TAXHave SEASON a IS on angieslist.com

HERE

TAX Check EXTENSION? us out at NextDoor.com

Call the experts get Contractor’s License #and 629882 started NOW! Individual and business taxes Year-end Tax Planning Payroll • Quickbooks Setup 1099 Preparation • Sales Tax Kristen Farrah-Naeem | Signal Tribune

A plant cutting sold by Plantiitas for $12, including a suspended propagating container filled with water. In the coming weeks, the cutting will continue to grow roots and sprout new leaves.

The double “i” in Plantiitas represents Diaz and Alcaraz together, while “ta,” is what Alcaraz calls his grandmother.

The couple will hopefully be receiving the keys to their first brick and mortar establishment next week, which will be on 4th Street near Termino Avenue, and are brainstorming ways to open up the space to those at the intersections of the Deaf community and communities of color.

“We want to make this a community space. So one of the things that I want to do is have a friend of mine who is Deaf, and he’s a therapist as well, come by like once or twice a month, and give group sessions for folks in the community, how it relates to plants and wellness and how to address

our mental health, especially for people of color– Black folks, brown folks– to start speaking on our mental health.”

Plantiitas keeps its plants accessible with affordable prices that are competitive with big brands like Home Depot, with a wide selection of plants and containers at different price points. Their baby golden barrel cacti are the perfect size to fit on desk corners and small shelves, and are sold for only $2 each.

“It’s more than just a monetary thing,” Diaz told the Signal Tribune, “It is our living, this is how we’re getting by, but then our spirits are so full at the end of the day– we’re physically exhausted, mentally drained– but we feel really good.”

Let us help you with your BOOKKEEPING NEEDS! Cambodian Khmer • + Spanish speaking!

MadKat, Inc

Diaz through his decade of work as an interpreter and the company he formed two years ago, Interpret THAT, Inc. His connection to the Deaf community began with his relationship with his uncle.

“I just really wanted to talk to my uncle at that time, who’s Deaf,” Diaz told the Signal Tribune. “He was from Mexico and so he didn’t know ASL. And so we had that barrier of having to establish like visual communication, gestural communication, contextualized communication, but that really helped me in my career as a sign language interpreter.”

Diaz was adamant about using his business as a platform for the Deaf community to tell their own stories, rather than trying to speak for them.

“I think their stories aren’t heard enough, and I’m not going to speak for the Deaf community because I’m not a Deaf person. But definitely using my privilege, my ability to be able to do this, to open up a space for them to just share their narratives, to have a space to congregate.”

Plantiitas will be holding its first online seminars in the next two months, one of which will be in partnership with the group Deaf Latinos y Familias to teach both plant repotting and mental health skills. Repotting materials, the pot, the plant, the soil and access to the class will all be included for an affordable rate, according to Diaz.

Diaz spoke on the importance of reteaching communities of color plant care because of the ancestral connection many of them have to that practice.

“So many of us have ancestral roots,” Diaz said, “and that’s something that other plant shops of color are talking about, you know, our ancestral roots to gardening and planting.”

Indigenous people of the Americas used innovative gardening techniques to support their societies, such as the Chinampas of the Aztec, artificial island gardens that sat on top of lakes, and the Amazon rainforest, once believed to be an untouched and wild part

SPRINGTIME SAVINGS

FOR MORE NEWS, GO TO SIGNALTRIBUNE.COM

ARTS

Theatre review: Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s “As You Like It” Anita W. Harris Senior Writer

The Long Beach Shakespeare Company (LBSC) describes its streaming production of Williams Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” as a “rom-com,” the modern term for romantic comedy, and that’s how they play it– like an extended episode of Friends. There’s even a character named Phebe! You can enjoy this very animated, light-hearted escapade through Oct. 4 as a way to cap off summer fun.

As directed by LBSC Artistic Director Brando Cutts, the story begins with a near-shirtless Orlando (Nick Napoli) doing pushups, ranting angrily about his brothers and violently wrestling (though we’re spared most of the gruesomeness by a cardboard crowd that pops up).

But soon after Orlando meets Rosalind and she gives him her necklace, the play turns more female-centric, with Rosalind (Erin Manker) dressing like a man,

boldly speaking her mind and testing Orlando’s declarations of love for her.

Rosalind is the niece of a duke and duchess (Andrea Stradling) who exiled her parents (the former duke and his duchess, played by Lecia Papadopoulos) to the Forest of Arden, but kept Rosalind around to keep their daughter Celia (Natasha Renae Potts) company.

Celia and Rosalind have become inseparable, so when Rosalind also gets banished by the duchess, Celia goes with her, taking the court clown Touchstone (Ken Knight) along for the ride.

The girls also change their names and Rosalind pretends to be a man for the pair’s safety.

Rosalind’s new manly outfit suits her well in the forest, where she finds love poems to her that Orlando (now also banished) has tacked up on every tree. Rosalind is able to freely question him on his motives, seeming to him like a mere “youth.”

However– and this is also why

it’s a rom-com– Rosalind catches the eye of shepherdess Phebe (Ali Ryan), who is pursued by the shepherd Silvius (Wyatt Najarian).

In the meantime, Orlando’s brother Oliver (Mikael Mattsson) shows up and takes a liking to Celia.

In between, we are treated to enchanting songs (Garret Martinez sings sweetly), witty discussions on the differences between forest and courtly life, and a gravely philosophic soliloquy by Jonah Goger about the seven ages of man (“All the world’s a stage…”).

The pacing is brisk and the actors bring enthusiasm to their roles, though the volume may need to be turned up to hear some of them.

Music by Edmund Velasco switches to plucky banjo when we move from the court to the forest.

And the set (designed by Nicole Braucher) of the Helen Borgers Theatre, where the production was filmed, is painted light green with trees and features a string of lights for stars and spotlight for a moon.

Costumes, especially the

Photo courtesy of Luis Aranda

From left: Wyatt Najarian (Silvius) and Ali Ryan (Phebe) in Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s “As You Like It,” streaming through Oct. 4.

women’s Elizabethan dresses, are fittingly designed by Dana Leach.

Watch for Rosalind’s final outfit that combines her masculine attire with a newly emboldened feminine sensibility.

All’s well that ends well, as per another Shakespeare play, but it’s the rollicking way we get there that makes it “as you like.” Moreover, the intermission features LBSC’s mascot, Hamlet the pig, and the

exuberant maypole dance toward the end– with twisting, colorful ribbons– is an apt image of the play’s amusing intricacies.

LBSC’s “As You Like It” is available for streaming for a $35 ticket per household through Oct. 4 and includes a downloadable program PDF. Visit lbshakespeare. org or call (562) 997-1494 for a ticket and information.

8

Signal Tribune

September 18, 2020

FRONT

What does it look like to Skip a Seat, Skip a Row?

Customers in need of the boarding ramp may use the front door.

For the safety of everyone on board, please maintain your distance between fellow customers and the bus operator.

This diagram shows an example of Skip a Seat, Skip a Row.

Board/Exit through the rear doors.

Safe.

Skip.

Operator.

For more bus safety tips, visit ridelbt.com/basics.

Moving you through.

REAR