Random Extras http://www.randomlengthsnews.com Mon, 21 May 2012 01:01:50 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/images/M_images/rss.png http://www.randomlengthsnews.com Random Extras http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=904&Itemid=129 Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) ANNOUNCEMENTS May 12 --Volunteer Workday A volunteer workday will be held at the Alta Vicente Reserve between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Help native plants grow by removing foreign competition. Reservations are advised. Details: (310) 541-7613; info@pvplc.org Venue: Alta Vicente Reserve Location: 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes ENTERTAINMENT May 13-- Jim Sitterly Violinist Jim Sitterly will perform his new composition The Five Fingers at 7 p.m. May 13, at Los Angeles Harbor College’s Miller Recital Hall in Wilmington. Details: (310) 548-1659 Venue: Miller Recital Hall Location: 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington May 19-- Great Composer Tribute: John Williams The Golden State Pops Orchestra will pay homage to John Williams in a special night featuring music from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Memoirs of a Geisha, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter. Tickets cost $15 to $50 and are on sale now. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with a stage-side chat with Hollywood Reporter Jeff Bond. Details: (310) 433-8774; www.gspo.com Venue: Warner Grand Theatre Location: 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro May 20--Thies Consort Enjoy an afternoon with Robert Edward Thies and friends, strating at 4 p.m. May 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan Beach. The Thies Consort draws on Southern California premiere ensemble artists to perform innovative and unique programming with musical continuity based on on a style, composer or other concept. Suggested donation is $15 and $5 for students. Details: (310) 937-7275 Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church Location: 1340 11th St., Manhattan Beach May 26-- Minyo Station CD Release Minyo Station will be performing at 2:30 p.m. May 26 at the Alvas Showroom. Tickets cost $20 advanced and $25 at the door. Seating is limited and advanced purchase is recommended. Attendees are invited to bring their own food and alcohol (beer and wine). Details: (310) 806-1131; www.minyostation.com Venue: Alvas Showroom Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro FAMILY/COMMUNITY May 12-- Nature Walks Enjoy a family outdoor walk led by a volunteer naturalists, historians, and geologists from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 12 at the Forrestal Reserve. The hike will be moderate to strenuous and participants are advised to wear walking shoes and bring water and sun protection. No reservations are required. Cancellations possible due to rain. Details: (310) 541-7613; www.pvplc.org Venue: Ladera Linda Community Center Location: 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes May 17-- Aquarium’s First Penguin Exhibit The Aquarium of the Pacific will debut a new permanent exhibit, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, home to the first penguins in the Aquarium’s collection. The penguins will join the Aquarium’s collection of more than 11,000 animals in the institutions 50 exhibits representing the diversity of the Pacific Ocean. Tickets are $24.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, $13.95 for children 11 and younger. Children younger than three and Aquarium members get in free. Details: (562) 590-3100; www.aquariumofpacific.org Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach May 18--San Pedro Farmer’s Market There will be a farmer’s market on the corner of 6th St. and Mesa between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 18. Fresh and organic produce, crafts and flowers will be sold. Details: www.sanpedrochamber.com Location: near 6th at Mesa streets May 19--Boat Tours Public boat tours of the Los Angeles Harbor will depart from berth 75-79 at Ports O’Call Village and Banning’s Landing at 100 E. Water St., in Wilmington. Tours will leave on the hour and are first come first serve between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Details: (800) 831-PORT Venue: Ports O’Call and Banning’s Landing Location: Berth 75-79 in San Pedro and 100 E. Water St., Willmington Santa Cruz Island Voyage with Naturalists The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will lead a trip to Santa Cruz Island from Ventura at 8 a.m. May 19. Space is limited and reservations are required. Tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children 12 and younger. Friends members pay $50. Details: (310) 548-7562; www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org hMay 20--Armed Forces Sunday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host a prayer and reception in thanks to all area servicemen and women and their families at 9:30 a.m. May 20. All are invited.v Venue: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Location: 1648 W. 9th St., San Pedro THEATER & FILM May 11 --A Midsummer Night’s Dream Enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May 11 through 19, with 3 p.m. performance May 20, at El Camino College Campus Theatre in Torrance. The play revolves around the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors and their interactions with fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. Cost is $15. Details: (310) 512-6030, www.littlefishtheater.com Venue:Little Fish Location: 777 Centre St., San Pedro May 26--Panache Enjoy Panache, through May 24, at Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro. Random Lengths News theater critic John Farrell said about Panache: The play is a delight, lifer-affirming, of course, but with plenty of laughs, too. Details: (800) 832-ARTS Venue:Campus Theatre Location: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. May 20--Strong! ITVS Community Cinema presents, Strong!, starting at 2 p.m. at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. Strong! Chrnicles the U.S. Olympic weightlifter Cheryl Haworth as she prepares for Beijing 2008, exploring popular notions of power, strength, beauty and health. Free. Details: www.grandvision.org Venue: Grand Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro May 27--Mrs. Smart's Spectacular Circus! The Found Theatre presents Mrs. Smart's Spectacular Circus!, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays, through May 27, at The Found Theatre in Long Beach. Bored with school, her parents, her electronic gadgets, and her 2,472 "really close friends" on FacePlace, Priscilla Pagliaccio decides to seek adventure under the Big Top. Come along for the roller coaster ride as she joins up with Mrs. Smart's Spectacular Circus! and learns lessons about love, friendship, and living in the real world. With wild music, crazy costumes, fun circus acts, and lots of off-beat humor. Tickets are $10 for adults, $10 and $5 for children younger than 12. Details: (562) 433-3363 Venue: The Found Theatre Location: 599 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach ART May 20--Open Studios Day at Angels Gate Wed, 09 May 2012 16:54:00 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=902&Itemid=83 Why I Could Care Less About The L.A. Dodgers By Lionel Rolfe Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) Magic Johnson doesn’t come across as a Frank McCourt, so maybe he will be successful in his effort to rebuild the Los Angeles Dodgers, but I don’t necessarily wish him luck. In the relatively short time Frank McCourt owned the Dodgers and that valuable real estate in Elysian Park near downtown, he managed to trash the franchise. He was such an obvious repulsive billionaire slimeball, people stayed away from his enterprise in droves. From my standpoint, that wasn’t necessarily bad. Because people stopped going to the ballgame, I was able to commute from my downtown Los Angeles home to Atwater late at night without getting stuck in all the traffic leaving the stadium. McCourt was good for the traffic patterns on the freeways around his property. Now I fear the old days will return, and I’ll be sitting there in traffic in that series of endless tunnels just before you go north on the Golden State. I’ve been to Dodger Stadium only once in my life, but I’ve been inconvenienced by it for decades now. Even back in the ‘60s, when Walter O’Malley owned the stadium, I used to live on Scott Avenue in Echo Park. It was a major thoroughfare into the stadium. On the days there was a ballgame, and there always seemed to be one, I couldn’t get in or come out of my own house. I’ve never liked the Dodgers. I didn’t like them when they were in Brooklyn and liked them even less in Los Angeles. I never liked baseball. I was forced to play it when I was a kid. When I was growing up and was sent away to school, they used to “reward” us by putting us all in a big room and watching some dreary baseball game on a small TV. I would always get in trouble for trying to stay in my bunk reading a book. I hated--and still hate--the drone of sports on the boob tube or radio. So going to the ballgame is just not my idea of great fun. Come to think of it, I’ve never liked competitive sports at all. I liked hiking when I was younger. I climbed most of the way up Mt. Whitney, I rode my beloved Allegro bicycle with the L.A. wheelman for a brief while, and later climbed up along the banks of the Stanislaus River to Kiersarge Pass, and then made my way south past the glacier along the John Muir trail. I used to write articles in the Los Angeles Times about good places to hike. But I never liked organized sports of any kind. I don’t like large crowds goose-stepping or screaming for blood in unison in some huge stadium, whether in Munich, Tel Aviv or Los Angeles. I don’t think that arranging to watch the lions eating the Christians in Rome sounded like fun. Some years ago I went to Israel where some relative of mine was the tourist minister and proudly told me he had gotten me front row seats at the Maccabi games. He swelled with pride as he told me this, and no doubt expected I’d be grateful forever. My mouth gave me away. I told him I didn’t want to watch “my people” acting like a bunch of goose-steppers at the Sportsplatz, thank you. My relative was not pleased at my comments. I know a love of sports can be somewhat more benign, I guess. My best friend for many years was Jon Newhall, of Newhall Land and Farming Company family fame. He was my boss and editor at the Newhall Signal. We hung out together all the time, and he was fun and intelligent, except when I’d go to his house he’d always warn me he had to watch “The Game.” I quickly learned there was always a “The Game,” and Jon loved every one of them. I saw a lot of them, but was always mystified as to their appeal. They did provide a sort of surreal backdrop to a lot of fun times. But the basic thing is that I didn’t like sports, just like I don’t like organized religion. I've always been in a quandary when faced by my “intelligent” friends who liked sports. Back in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s my favorite person in all the world was my godfather, Jerry Baron. Jerry was the District Attorney of Monterey County. There was a particularly memorable moment when he dug a hole in the yard of his home in Carmel, trying to get to China. All the time he dug, and his son and I helped him, he was drinking and reciting “Finnegan’s Wake,” which he really knew by heart. It was one of my most treasured childhood moments. Whatever his faults, Jerry was a unique and wonderful man. Jerry was the one who took me to a ballgame at Dodger Stadium. It was awful, even if it was Jerry who took me there. It seemed interminable; the time dragged by slowly, leaving me with a terrible taste in my mouth. Maybe this was because Jerry tried to leaven it by buying me a desiccated genuine Dodger hot dog. He got himself a beer. The beer was gnat’s piss. The Dodger dog hung in my esophagus like asphalt. But Jerry loved sports and he also loved James Joyce. That never made sense to me. Hopefully “Magic” isn’t a McCourt, or even a Walter O’Malley, the guy who brought this damn Brooklyn baseball team to Los Angeles half a century or so ago. You’ll be hearing a lot of nonsense about how wonderful O’Malley was. He wasn’t. He was of one of the city’s corrupt McCarthyites, a craven gang of scoundrels the likes of Mayor Sam Yorty and Police Chief Bill Parker. The monument they left behind was that stadium. Parker despised Jews, blacks, Italians, and Mexicans because they could be swarthy, and Chinamen because they weren’t. Yorty became a racist right-wing mayor who decried communism in the '50s, even though it was the communists whose support first put him into elective office in the late '30s. Also, he had had a notorious affair with Dorothy Healey, chairwoman of the Southern California Communist Party. Hopefully, no one is going to start talking about how Dodger Stadium is one of the city’s great landmarks. It isn’t. Union Station is a great landmark, and Griffith Observatory and Planetarium is one of the greatest landmarks in the world. Even City Hall is pretty impressive. Dodger Stadium is a monstrosity. It ain’t pretty and it ain’t healthy. If you’re going to argue that sports is healthy because it keeps people’s warlike instincts in check, I think it’s quite the opposite. I won’t mention the beatings and muggings in the Dodger Stadium parking lot, just don’t tell me that sports doesn’t light a fire under violent behavior. I remember once I was with my daughter Hyla on the London underground and soccer fans were coming into the Swiss Cottage stop from Neasdon on the Bakerloo Line. A whole gang of the them were getting out of the Bakerloo train and rushing across the platform to get into our car. Luckily only one of them got in before the doors closed. He was a skinhead with Nazi tattoos on his head. In a mob with a lot of clones, he was scary. But once he slumped down in his seat, realizing he was the only one of his gang who had made it into our car, he became sullen but somehow pitiful. Like most of his kind, he was a coward unless he was in a mob. To me, this guy was the archetypical sports fan--soccer, football or baseball, it doesn’t matter. Now I’ll be willing to agree “Magic” is no doubt a scholar and a gentleman compared to a McCourt. But McCourt wasn’t the first scoundrel with a sports franchise. Before McCourt there was O’Malley, who basically made himself rich by stealing from the public purse. And don’t be shocked by that--that’s what most sports tycoons do to get rich. That’s how they become tycoons. About the time construction was completed on Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine, it was the early ‘60s. By 1975, the House Un American Committee was winding down. But the stadium was one of the tangible results of McCarthyism in this town. Dodger Stadium came into being through the offices of scum like Nixon, Sam Yorty and Ronald Reagan and House Un American Committees. It was part of the ugly tale of red baiting and McCarthyism of the time. It was America’s great flirtation with fascism. The whole sordid tale was told in a song “Don’t Call Me Red” by Ry Cooder. The song was about the saga of Frank Wilkinson in the battle of Chavez Ravine. A few hundred acres just east of downtown, Chavez Ravine was the soul of the barrio. It was destroyed in a sinister land swindle that used Frank Wilkinson as the fall guy by labeling him a communist. He may or may not have been--many folks who grew up in the Great Depression were. The ravine was a place where some 300 Mexican immigrant families, many of them retired railroad workers, lived in conditions reminiscent of rural Mexico. Goats wandered the dirt road. It was a tight-knit community whose local institutions - churches and the schools - were run by the neighbors. The late 1940s, when Wilkinson began battling for public housing in Chavez Ravine, was one of the most politically optimistic periods of American life, mainly because it was molded by a generation of Americans who had faced down fascism in Europe and weren't about to let it sprout in their own land. Wilkinson was head of the Housing Authority in Los Angeles under Mayor Fletcher Bowron, a prince among the scoundrels who have held the office of mayor in Los Angeles. When McCarthyism rolled around in the early ‘50s, Wilkinson was targeted. You have to understand, McCarthyism was designed to curb those democratic and progressive tendencies that the war against fascism had engendered. The great Satan of Communism was only the bogeyman. McCarthyites were really never about communism, it was how Republicans even then wanted to make it a capital crime to be a Democrat. And no, the parallels to today are not accidental. Wilkinson had joined the Los Angeles Housing Authority in 1941, a year before the Zoot Suit Riots. Through his prodding, the authority hired the great architect Richard Neutra to design public housing for about 10,000 people on city land in Chavez Ravine: not only for poor immigrant Mexicans, but Asians and blacks and whites, in other words, working people of every kind. Instead of clearing out the land to build the housing, however, the first bulldozers that were sent swept aside the poor Mexican families who lived there. Then they built the stadium. Chiming in to applaud the erection of O’Malley’s stadium, the McCarthyite chorus played their harps as if they were angels in heaven. Ronald Reagan, then a B-rate actor just beginning his political career as a right-wing henchman, seriously maintained that people who were against baseball in favor of public housing in Chavez Ravine were un-American. Wilkinson was an old-fashioned American who took literally the Bill of Rights and once planned on becoming a Methodist minister. His trip to the political left began when he came across a quote from Alexander Meiklejohn, a famed civil libertarian of his time. "The First Amendment seems to me to be a very uncompromising statement. It admits no exceptions. It tells us that the Congress and, by implication, all other agencies of the government are denied any authority whatever to limit the political freedom of the citizens of the United States. It declares that with respect to political belief, political discussion, political advocacy, political planning, our citizens are sovereigns, and the Congress is their subordinate agent," Meiklejohn wrote. "Whatever may be the immediate gains and losses, the dangers to our safety arising from political suppression are always greater than the dangers to that safety arising from political freedom. Suppression is always foolish. Freedom is always wise. That is the faith, the experimental faith, by which we Americans have undertaken to live." Wilkinson refused to speak to the authorities about his politics, including whether he had ever been a member of the communist party. But Wilkinson, convinced that being interrogated about his friends and his politics was a violation of freedom of speech, fought efforts to throw him in prison not by invoking the constitutional amendment against self incrimination, but rather the first amendment. By a five to four decision, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed, and he sent to prison for 15 years. Wilkinson never had a chance against the combined power of the city's police and press and real estate lobby. At one point he was reduced to being a night custodian in a Pasadena department store, with the promise not to tell he had been given a job there. He went to prison for trying to build public housing on city land, but they erected a stadium instead. So Mr. "Magic" Johnson, please don’t become one of those sports moguls who “make millions” from taxpayer subsidies at the same time the city dads who are granting such dispensations cry poverty when anyone suggests support for the arts or music, museums or libraries, or the poor. Look carefully at the institution you now “own.” Look, "Magic," if I may presume, I know that stadium isn’t quite Dachau or Auschwitz, but I’m not sure that it was just coincidence a slimebucket like McCourt swooped in as its proprietor, and walked away with millions of dollars--really our dollars. Maybe it would be better if the whole thing were demolished. Forget the bread and circuses. Tear down Dodger Stadium and build some great public housing there instead. And make sure they have plenty of murals and musicians and poets to serenade us as we walk its pleasant pathways. * Lionel Rolfe is the author of “Literary L.A.,” about which a documentary is being made http://Facebook.com/literaryla. Many of his books, including “Literary L.A.,” “Fat Man on the Left,” “The Menuhins: A Family Odyssey” and “The Uncommon Friendship of Yaltah Menuhin and Willa Cather” are available digitally in Amazon’s Kindlestore. Sat, 05 May 2012 14:43:49 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=900&Itemid=129 NEWS/ Stabbing victim dies LONG BEACH — A man who was found in an alley on April 14 stabbed in an alley on the 1500 block of Pacific Avenue was pronounced dead on April 26. Yoani Flores, 20, was in an alley west of Pacific Avenue with an acquaintance when they became involved in a dispute with one another. The acquaintance and suspect, Arturo Villareal, 20, allegedly stabbed Flores in the upper body. Flores was transported to a local hospital, where he remained until he died. Villareal, of Long Beach, was taken into custody held on a $1.05 million bail. The motive is unknown but detectives do not believe it to be gang related. Anyone with information regarding the incident can call (562) 570-7244 or anonymously visit www.tipsoft.com (http://www.tipsoft.com). Stonewall Dem Club Backs Hahn San Pedro — Edging out her opponent in the race for key endorsements yet again, Congresswoman Janice Hahn secured the endorsement from the Stonewall Democratic Club, on April 26, in her re-election bid. Founded in 1975, the Stonewall Democratic Club was established as a club where the LGBT community and its straight allies could work within the Democratic Party to achieve equality for all and advance progressive and feminist values. The club is one of the largest and most influential in Los Angeles County. “We are proud to announce our overwhelming support of Congresswoman Janice Hahn’s re-election campaign,” said Stephen David Simon, President of Stonewall Democratic Club. “Janice has proven herself as a tireless advocate for equality, social and economic justice, and civil rights for all Americans. And, she’s been an outspoken and fierce defender against the extreme right-wing’s war on women. That’s why we look forward to doing everything we can to ensure she gets re-elected to Congress so that she can continue fighting every day for the issues we care about.” Committee Passes Seafood Labeling Bill Sacramento – After a Los Angeles study showed most seafood served in restaurants is mislabeled, the Senate Health Committee passed a mandatory seafood-labeling bill, April 25, pushed by Sen. Ted W. Lieu of Torrance. In addition, tests on seafood sold at Los Angeles restaurants have revealed that more than half is not labeled correctly, according to a nonprofit environmental organization, Oceana, which conducted the study released last week. For example, red snapper, Dover sole, white tuna and other fish were often mislabeled as different species, the group Oceana found in DNA tests of seafood from 74 retail outlets in Los Angeles. In all, 55 percent of 119 fish samples from across L.A. were misidentified. Oceana focused on the frequency of mislabeling rather than its origins. But Beth Lowell, director of the Stop Seafood Fraud campaign at Oceana's Washington, D.C., headquarters, said seafood mislabeling can occur at any point in the supply chain, beginning when the fish is landed and through to processing, distribution and final point of sale. There are essentially no relevant state or federal enforcement mechanisms identifying seafood, something that would be corrected under Senate Bill 1486. Underscoring the seriousness of the issue, a recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control study showed most food illness from seafood come from imported seafood. Unlike seafood from the United States—which needs to meet federal and state health requirements—seafood from foreign countries can be inadequately regulated or completely unregulated, and may contain contaminants that U.S. regulators would not allow. Of particular concern, Lieu said, is the commercial seafood sector, where federal Country of Origin Labeling has many loopholes and exemptions – most notably seafood sold in restaurants. The labeling was intended to keep consumers safe and better informed about the origins of seafood. If signed into law, California for the first time would require retail-food outlets with 19 or more similar establishments that sell seafood as a menu item to identify on the menu the following: the specific species of fish; the country in which the seafood was caught; and whether the seafood was farm raised or wild caught. Similar to California’s menu labeling bill for nutrition information of 2008, enforcement of SB 1486 would empower consumers to question the accuracy of a restaurant’s claim. Violators would face civil fines of up to $2,500. SB 1486 now faces fiscal review. Buscaino Helps Patch Target Driveway in SP Long Beach — After many years of patching a piece of street with asphalt, the City of Los Angeles' Street Services put in a concrete patch in front of the Target store in San Pedro where underground water came up creating massive potholes and water puddles. View video at: www.youtube.com/embed/ThPM5d5MByg (http://www.youtube.com/embed/ThPM5d5MByg) Seventh Street Bridge Reopened Long Beach — The 7th Street Bridge, into Long Beach, reopened April 28, after a yearlong closure. The $2.1 million westbound bridge reconstruction bridge was closed as part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's West County Connectors project, a $277 million project. The bridge was closed April 19, 2012. When completed, the West County Connectors Project will reconstruct the northbound 405 Freeway and westbound 22 Freeway to connect carpool lanes on the 605 Freeway and the San Diego and Garden Grove freeways. The northbound 405 Freeway and westbound 22 Freeway connector to 7th Street was closed to make way for new carpool lanes on the 405 beneath the bridge. The project has shut down parts of the 405, 22 and 605 freeways forcing drivers to take detours. Upgrades to Valley View Street, followed by work on the Seal Beach Boulevard bridge — widening it from two lanes in each direction to three going south and four northbound — are expected to be completed this summer. TSA Screeners Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Corruption LOS ANGELES – On April 25, two former and two current Transportation Security Administration screeners at Los Angeles International Airport were arrested for allegedly taking cash payments to allow multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics to pass through security. The suspects were arrested on federal narcotics trafficking and bribery charges for allegedly taking cash payments to allow large shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana to pass through the X-ray machines at TSA security checkpoints. In addition to the current and former TSA officials, one drug courier is currently in state custody and another drug courier is expected to surrender. Authorities are continuing to search for another alleged drug courier named in a 22-count grand jury indictment that was unsealed this morning. The indictment outlines five specific incidents in which current and former TSA employees took payments of as much as $2,400 to allow suitcases filled with drugs to pass through X-ray machines while TSA screeners looked the other way. The indictment names the following individuals: Naral Richardson, 30, of Los Angeles, who was arrested on April 25. Richardson, who was terminated by TSA in 2010, is accused of orchestrating five incidents in which TSA screeners agreed to waive narcotics through security checkpoints. John Whitfield, 23, of Los Angeles, who was arrested on April 24. Whitfield, a TSA screener who allegedly worked with Richardson to allow nearly 4 kilograms of methamphetamine to pass through LAX security, is also accused of personally allowing more than 20 kilograms of cocaine to pass through LAX security. Joy White, 27, of Compton, who was arrested April 25. White, who was terminated by TSA last year, allegedly was stationed at LAX screening checkpoints when she allowed drugs to pass through, including a shipment of more than 20 kilograms of cocaine. Capeline McKinney, 25, of Los Angeles, who was arrested April 25. McKinney is a TSA screener who allegedly allowed more than 20 kilograms of cocaine to pass through her security checkpoint. Duane Eleby, 28, of Downey. Eleby allegedly attempted to bring almost five kilograms of cocaine through a security checkpoint, but his narcotics were seized by law enforcement when he went through the wrong security checkpoint. Terry Cunningham, 28, of Los Angeles, an alleged drug courier, who is being sought by authorities. Stephen Bayliss, 28, of Los Angeles, an alleged drug courier, who is in state custody. If they are convicted of the charges in the indictment, the current and former TSA officials each face stiff mandatory minimum penalties, and each would face a potential sentence of life imprisonment. The indictment outlines five separate incidents in which the TSA officials conspired with either drug couriers or an undercover operative working with the Drug Enforcement Administration to smuggle narcotics through security checkpoints at LAX. These incidents occurred from early February 2011 and continued until early July 2011, according to the indictment. In one incident, Richardson and White allegedly agreed that Eleby would bring about five kilograms of cocaine through a security checkpoint that was being staffed by White. But when Eleby failed to follow White’s instructions and went to the wrong security checkpoint, TSA officials uninvolved in the scheme seized Eleby’s bag, which was filled with cocaine. In the final incident outlined in the indictment, Richardson and Whitfield allegedly conspired with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s “confidential source” to allow about 8 pounds of methamphetamine to pass through a security checkpoint that was being staffed by Whitfield. After the methamphetamine went through security, Whitfield met the confidential source in an LAX restroom to receive $600 in cash, which was the second half of the agreed-upon $1,200 fee for that pass-through. Richardson is charged in five narcotics conspiracies, five substantive counts of possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, and two counts of offering bribes to public officials. If convicted, Richardson faces mandatory minimum sentences of at least 10 years, and he potentially faces life without parole in federal prison. Each bribery count also carries a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Whitfield is charged in a conspiracy involving about four kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as substantive drug possession charges involving marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine. Whitfield is also named as the recipient of six bribes. If he is convicted, Whitfield faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. White is charged in three narcotics conspiracies – involving a total of about 25 kilograms of cocaine and about 22 kilograms of marijuana – as well as three substantive drug possession counts. White is also charged with one count of receiving a bribe. If convicted, White would face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and could be sentenced to as much as life in prison. McKinney is charged in a cocaine conspiracy involving 20 kilograms of the drug, as well as a substantive drug possession charge and one count of receiving a bribe. If convicted, McKinney faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a potential sentence of life imprisonment. Eleby is charged in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, as well as possession with the intent to distribute nearly five kilograms of cocaine. If convicted, Eleby faces a five-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum statutory sentence of 40 years in prison. Cunningham and Bayliss are each in a conspiracy involving 22 kilograms of marijuana, as well as possession with intent to distribute marijuana. If convicted, each of them would face up to five years in federal prison. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. Tue, 01 May 2012 07:52:09 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=899&Itemid=129 Art Calendar Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) May 1 2102 LBCC Art Student Exhibit Art students will show off their work, May 1 through 15, at Long Beach City College. Details: (562) 938-4815 Venue: Long Beach City College Location: 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach May 3 Bird is Back The selected works of Jerry Byrd, from 1970 to 2012, will be on display May 3 through July 27, at Gallery 478 in San Pedro. An artist reception is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. May 5. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: (310) 732-2150 Venue: Gallery 478 Location: 478 W. 7th St., San Pedro May 5 First Thursday Free Guided Artwalk The May 5 Artwalk Tour continues to introduce the diversity of the art scene in San Pedro. Each month a different itinerary is planned to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience a wide range of visual treats. The free one-hour tour meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Chamber of Commerce Boardroom Gallery, in San Pedro. The artists or gallerists usually introduce their work with a short talk. Venue: San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Location: 390 W. 7th St., San Pedro May 6 Fashion Extravaganza Maral Designs presents the third annual Fashion Extravaganza, starting at 2 p.m. May 6, at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. Admission is $20. Funds will benefit The Khaled Hosseini Foundation for Afghanistan women and children and House of Hope for local women and children. Details: (310) 418-0109 Venue: Grand Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro May 8 Rodin-Father of Modern Sculpture The Torrance Cultural Services Division presents Artful Days: Rodin — Father of Modern Sculpture, from 12:10 to 1 p.m. May 8, at the George Nakano Theatre. Free admission. Details: (310) 618-2326 Venue: George Nakano Theatre Location: 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance May 12 8-Bit Tropical 8-Bit Tropical: Ghetto Palms in the Mushroom Kingdom runs from 6 to 11 p.m. through May 12, at Chatismo 101 Studio in Long Beach. 8-Bit Tropical is an art show of pixel art, 8-bit design and vintage video game console artwork. It is formed around the inspiration and nostalgia of the early arcade and video game consoles of the 1970's and 1980's; and its current exploration of 8-Bit (Chiptune) Music being heard from many electronic artist around the world. Details: (562) 507-2951 Venue: Chatismo 101 Studio Presents Location: 419 E. 6th. St. # 101, Long Beach May 27 Playing with Lines and Colors Playing with Lines and Colors runs through May 27, at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. In her first U.S. exhibit Spanish-Argentine abstract artist Magdalena Fernandez showcases “2iPM009,” a video installation that brings geometric abstraction to a new level of expression. Details: (562) 437-7043; www.molaa.org Venue: MOLAA Location: 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:59:24 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=898&Itemid=129 Mayor Releases BudgetNeighborhood Councils are Skeptical By Kevin Walker, Editorial Intern Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently released the proposed 2012-13 city budget (http://cao.lacity.org/budget12-13/2012-13Proposed_Budget.pdf) that, according to critics, does little more than kick the can down the line in closing a projected $238 million deficit. Villaraigosa’s budget attempts to eliminate the deficit with a combination of pension reforms, revenue increases, layoffs and efficiency boosts. The problem is that it is a structural deficit where long term expenditures outstrip receipts. No matter how many short term cost cuts are made, the structural deficit remains. “No one is willing to step up to the plate and tell us what's going on,” said Jack Humphreville (http://citywatchla.com/4box-left/3060-nc-funding-cuts-and-other-need-to-know-budget-info), president of the Department of Water and Power Advocacy Committee. “There’s no basic reform here." At issue is the employee compensation and retirement system, which according to the mayor’s budget proposal, accounts for 51 percent of the deficit. The budget proposes to raise the normal retirement age to 67 and limiting the maximum retirement allowance to 75 percent of final earnings. If an employee retired today, he or she could potentially make 100 percent of what he or she made while working. Humphreville and others have pointed out that the reforms won’t apply to current or retired city employees and that the slower rate of hiring will further reduce intended savings to the city. “Raising the retirement age from 55 to 67 is great, except it should've been done back when they were actually hiring people.” remarked Doug Epperhart, member of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council. Attempts to contact the Mayor’s Office were made but a response was not attained in time for publication. Civic leaders also question the mayor’s proposal to eliminate 669 civilian employee positions from the city’s workforce. They say that the cuts disproportionately affect the Los Angeles Police Department and will take sworn officers off of the streets in order to compensate for the loss of civilian clerks and administrators. “Its not evenly distributed,” Epperhart said. “Most of those cuts are going to be from the police department … they’re laying off 159 people." Others doubt that the $26 million the layoffs will save is even a legitimate figure given that 438 of the 669 positions to be cut are unfilled. Other organizations have proposed their own solutions to the budget deficit. In March the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates released a white paper with 21 recommendations to help close the shortfall, the first being a declaration of a fiscal emergency in the city that would allow Villaraigosa to implement a yearlong salary reduction for city employees. The recommendation, which did not make it into the mayor’s proposed budget, is symptomatic of those on the neighborhood councils, like Humphreville and Epperhart who want a quick resolution to the budget shortfall. Some have speculated that without drastic reforms, Los Angeles may be forced to file for bankruptcy, however, the idea has yet to catch on among community leaders. “Bankruptcy is not a solution,” said Bob Gelfand, president of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition. “It’s a last and final approach when you can’t do anything else." Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:44:02 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=897&Itemid=129 ANNOUNCEMENTS Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) April 24 Water Main Construction In order to connect the newly installed water main to the existing system on Monlaco Road and Clark Avenue, the Long Beach Water Department must temporarily shut the water off, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24, on Monlaco Road between Charlemagne Avenue and Clark Avenue. Also on Clark Avenue between Monlaco Road and Peabody Street. Water Main Bridge Crossings Repair Project . Construction on Site Number 8 — Parkcrest Street and Charlemagne Avenue at Los Cerritos Channel will take place, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 24 to May 2. The contractor will repair and repaint existing water main bridge crossings. Adjustments in working hours may be made as necessary to perform the work or as required by permit conditions. Details: (562) 570-6932 May 1 Curatorial Internship with the Long Beach Museum of Art The Long Beach Museum of Art has been awarded a grant from the Getty Foundation to fund a 10-week internship at the Museum. Gain experience and insights into Museum exhibitions and collections management. Deadline: Complete application with resume, references and a letter of interest are due by May 1. Details: www.lbma.org (http://www.lbma.org) May 5 Bike Fest Comes to Long Beach On May 5, Long Beach will be hosting the annual Bike Fest and Tour of Long Beach. The day consists of fun for the whole family and a great way to promote America's most bike friendly city as well as "Let's Move Long Beach" healthy city initiatives. All proceeds from the ride support the pediatric cancer research center at Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach. Community members are encouraged to participate in the ride. The ride ends at a bike festival with live entertainment, a vendor fair and cycling-focused fun. Details (562) 570 6919; www.bikefestlb.com May 6 Maral Designs Fashion Fundraiser Extravaganza Showcasing Maral Designs, Middle Eastern and Indian dance, local artisans and international food with a silent auction, organizers of the Maral Designs Fashion Extravaganza will give 100 percent of their proceeds and a portion of admissions to nonprofit humanitarian organizations, House of Hope and The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, May 6 through 2, at the Grand Annex in San Pedro Tickets are $20 to $25. Details: (310) 418-0109 Venue: Grand Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro May 10 District Community Baby Shower The public is invited to donate baby items or money to purchase those item for the Community Baby Shower to provide "newborn kits" for expectant mothers participating in Department of Health and Human Services programs. Community members also can help assemble kits May 10 at the Health Department in Long Beach. Details: tinyurl.com/CommunityBabyShower Venue: Health Department Location: 2525 Grand Ave., Long Beach May 14 NWSPNC Meeting The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council has scheduled a meeting from 5:30 to 9 p.m. May 14 at Peck Park in San Pedro Details: www.nwsanpedro.org Help Sought in Finding Homicide Suspect The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding 22-year-old Francisco Javier Saucedo, a homicide suspect. At about 12:50 a.m. March 24, LBPD responded to a call that began as a hit and run incident but ended as a homicide on the 1100 block of Stanley Avenue in Long Beach. Detectives have since identified the suspect wanted in this case and are asking the public’s help in locating him. On April 13, a warrant was issued for Saucedo, a Hispanic male who stands at 5 feet, 6 inches and who weighs 160 pounds. He is bald with brown eyes, and his last known city of residence is Gardena, although he has ties to the Hawthorne area as well. The morning of the incident, a male adult was driving a green Dodge pick-up truck northbound in the 1100 block of Stanley Avenue when he struck a parked vehicle. A witness to the collision, identified as 27-year-old Yon Chreng of Long Beach, attempted to wave down the driver to keep him from fleeing. At that time, detectives believed the driver aimed his vehicle at Victim Chreng, struck him and dragged him a short distance before he struck three additional parked vehicles and fled on foot. Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded and determined the victim deceased at the scene. Long Beach Police Accident Investigation detectives responded to the scene and were later joined by Homicide detectives as the investigation progressed and additional details were learned. The case is currently being investigated as a homicide, however the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who comes in contact Saucedo or knows of his whereabouts should call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is urged to call (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted via text or web at www.tipsoft.com. Win a Prius Sharefest is hosting a Prius raffle. Sharefest is allowing the Port of Los Angeles High School to sell raffle tickets on their behalf. Half the amount of each ticket sold by POLAHS will be given back to the school to benefit its senior scholarship campaign. Print and mail this form by June 1, to enter the Nov. 14 drawing: Specific Needs Disaster Voluntary Registry Available Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:27:31 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=894&Itemid=129 THEATER & FILM Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) April 13 Battle Royal See the original 2000 Japanese thriller Battle Royale, finally being released to U.S. theatrical audiences after more than 10 years, starting at 11:30 a.m. April 13, at the Art Theatre in Long Beach. Shocking, controversial, and banned in many countries, director Kinji Fukasaku's film - based on the novel by Kōshun Takami - tells the story of a class of teenagers that are forced by the government to compete in a deadly game, where the students must kill each other so that only one may live. Sounds familiar? It's no surprise that the film is finally being released on the heels of the very similar series The Hunger Games, satisfying many an avid cult fan's outcry that the fantastic Battle Royale finally get the recognition it deserves. Details: http://tinyurl.com/6nrwxke Venue: Art Theatre Location: 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach April 13 Kino Croatia Kino Croatia are new films presented April 13 through 15 at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Only months after the Lumiere Brothers dazzled Paris with their tiny magical moving pictures, cinema arrived in the Croatian capital of Zagreb on October 3, 1896. Ever since, the Croatian film industry has persevered and, neither political, societal nor financial hurdles, were able to silence the voices of Croatian filmmakers. In 1961, Croatia's first Academy Award went to animated short The Substitute (Surogat) by Dusan Vukotić. The honor brought worldwide acclaim to the Zagreb School of Animation, which utilized a new aesthetic, based on avant-garde abstract painting, constructivism and cubism. This year's New Croatian Cinema series lineup includes Croatian box-office hit and family adventure Koko and The Ghosts, directed by Daniel Kušan, starting at 5 p.m. April 15; Rajko Grlić's farcical romantic comedy romp Just Between Us, starting at 7:30 p.m. April 13; Nevio Marasović's debut feature about the world's last reality show, The Show Must Go On, starting at 7:30 p.m. April 13; Branko Ivanda's Lea and Darija, a moving drama about a friendship between teenage ballerinas on the eve of World War II, starting at 7:30 p.m. April 14; and Vinko Bresan's kinky black comedy Will Not Stop There, starting at 7:30 p.m. April 14. The Show Must Go On In the near future, successful TV producer Filip (Sven Medvešek) has just launched a reality show focusing on the lives of six couples living together, a direct competitor to his ex-wife's higher-rated news show. When the much-speculated World War III breaks out, Filip hides the international news from his sequestered contestants, who continue with their sheltered on-set lives as if nothing has happened. Filip suddenly finds himself with a massively popular escapist TV show on his hands, and must grapple with the slippery morals that go along with it while trying to protect his son from the harsh realities of war. In Croatian with English subtitles. Just Between Us Wealthy philanderer Nikola (Miki Manojlović) is married to Anamarija (Daria Lorenci), the ex-girlfriend of his equally philandering brother, Braco (Bojan Navojec). Deeply resentful of his brother, Braco has retaliated by marrying Nikola's childhood sweetie, Marta (Ksenija Marinković), and meanwhile secretly is supplying sperm for Anamarija, who's trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization. Rajko Grlić's farce of sexual musical chairs and hyperbolic familial ax-grinding is one hilarious hairpin turn after another, anchored by a winningly charming cast. In Croatian with English subtitles. Lea and Darija Based on the true story of Lea Deutsch and Darija Gasteiger, 13-year-old competitive dancers in Zagreb on the eve of World War II, Branko Ivanda’s moving drama follows the girls’ initial rivalry and then budding friendship. When anti-Jewish laws are implemented in the city, Lea and Darija find their relationship tested and must face the harsh realities of growing up during wartime. With beautiful cinematography inside and around the grand Croatian National Theater. In Croatian with English subtitles. The Show Must Go On Vinko Brešan’s deliciously cynical black comedy is told from the point of view of Djuro (Predrag "Predjo" Vušović), a jaded porn star enlisted by Croatian war veteran-turned-private detective Martin to help find his missing love, Desa. But Desa has gotten herself mixed up in a Serbian prostitution ring, and when the two finally find her, they must contend with a money-grubbing pimp to get her back. In Croatian with English subtitles. Koko and the Ghosts Shortly after Koko (Antonio Parać) and his family move to a new house in the city, eerily strange things start happening, and they begin to wonder if the house is inhabited by spirits - the previous owner, perhaps? When Koko’s sister goes missing, the young boy must embark on a quest to find her, and along the way discover the truth about the house and its bizarre supernatural quirks. A smash success upon its release in Croatia. In Croatian with English subtitles. Details: http://tinyurl.com/kinocroatia Venue: Aero Theatre Location: 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica April 14 Happy Birthday Shakespeare In celebration of National Poetry Month and William Shakespeare's 448th birthday, Friends of San Pedro Library will welcome actors from Shakespeare by the Sea presenting sonnets and scenes from the Bard, starting at 2 p.m. April 14, at the San Pedro Branch Library. Guests are invited to bring their favorite poems by any poet to share with the group. The program is free to the public and everyone is welcome. Come join the fun. Refreshments will be served. Venue: San Pedro Branch Library Location: 931 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro April 17 French Film Festival Two French films will be showcased April 17 and 18 California State University, Dominguez Hills when the French American Cultural Exchange Tournées Festival of French Films comes to campus. Entre les murs (The Class), plays from 4 to 6:45 p.m. April 17 at La Corte Hall, A103; and Welcome, plays from 7 to 9:45 p.m. April 18, in the Loker Student Union. The screenings are free. Entre les murs" ("The Class") The Class stars Francois Begaudeau, whose book of the same name chronicles his teaching experiences in a diverse Parisian junior high school. The film brings out themes of migration, multiculturalism and cultural assimilation through the relationship between Begaudeau and his students. Welcome Welcome brings the topic of immigration into a global context. The film tells the story of a middle-aged Frenchman who tries to help a 17-year-old Iraqi Kurdish illegal immigrant cross the English Channel to reunite with his girlfriend, and the common struggle they both face to find a place of happiness, prosperity, and acceptance. CSU Dominguez Hills was one of only 86 institutions nationwide selected by the nonprofit FACE to host a Tournées Festival for the 2011-2012 academic year. FACE created the festival in 1995 to expose more U.S. students to contemporary French-made films. With the theme "History, Politics and Cultural Diversity via the French lens," the 2012 Tournées Festival of French Films at CSU Dominguez Hills will explore the multiplicity of people's experiences around the world to help build a better understanding of the diverse cultures that call the Los Angeles region home. Details: http://cah.csudh.edu/history/Tournees.htm Venue:CSUDH Location: 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson. April 27 Oklahoma! Auditions for Oklahoma! are April 27 and 28. Details: (310) 833-4813; www.grandvision.org Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:35:42 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=893&Itemid=129 ENTERTAINMENT/ Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) April 14 Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time The Golden State Pops Orchestra will be reprising the popular concert Tale as Old as Time featuring screen film clips from favorite Disney Classics such as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and Mulan and song selections, at 7 p.m. April 14, at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center. Tale as Old as Time is the story of hopes and dreams, meeting strangers, developing friendships, finding true love and living happily ever after. Tickets for this concert are assigned seating and selling quickly. Details: http://tinyurl.com/taleasoldastime Venue: El Segundo Performing Arts Center Location: 640 Main St., El Segundo April 14 Bear Bar Join the biggest, longest running bear night, starting at 8 p.m. April 14, at Club Ripples in Long Beach.Dj Jon Williams is back again to make you shake it on the dance floors with the best in high-energy dance and club anthems. Bear Bar is an event that brings bears, cubs and their admirers together for a night of dancing. Details: (562) 981-0028 Venue: Club Ripples Location: 5101 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach April 19 LGB2NETWORK April Mixer LGB2NETWORK presents actor Ronnie Kroell, from 6 to 8 p.m. April 9, at the Hyatt The Pike (formerly Hotel Avia) in Long Beach. Enjoy an evening of conversation, social networking, music, cocktails, and an amazing view of Long Beach's downtown's bay. Complimentary Admission. RSVP required. Details: http://lgb2network.com Venue: Hyatt The Pike Location: 285 Bay St., Long Beach April 22 Zhena Folk Chorus Experience Zhena Folk Chorus and Soul of Anatolía, starting at 3 p.m. April 22, at The Annex in San Pedro. “Songs of the Earth” is a special program of folk music, celebrating Earth Day. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Details: (310) 833-4813; www.grandvision.org Venue: The Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro April 28 High School Jazz Band Dazzles Community The Gsus Concert Jazz Ensemble will give a concert, Sunset Serenade, at 5 p.m. April 28, at St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, showcasing the talent of its students. Sunset Serenade is a showcase of the Jazz Band, Pep Drumline, and other select Fine Art student talent at St. Anthony. While enjoying the concert, the audience will also be served dinner. Tickets are $10. All proceeds from the concert benefit the St. Anthony High School Music Department and will go towards the purchase of much-needed instruments to support their quickly-expanding Band & Music Program. Details: www.longbeachsaints.org Venue: St. Anthony High School Location: 620 N. Olive, Long Beach April 29 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:25:30 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=892&Itemid=129 ANNOUNCEMENTS Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) April 9 NWSPNC Board and Stakeholder Meeting The upcoming Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council Board and Stakeholder meeting is scheduled for 5:30 April 9 at the Peck Park Auditorium. The group will consider the adoption of proposed comments on environmental impact report for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts proposed sewer outfall, and a motion to approve recommendation of the issues committee regarding a letter to Councilman Buscaino in support of safe off-street racing location, among other agenda items. Details: (310) 732-4522; www.nwsanpedro.org Venue: Peck Park Auditorium Location: 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro April 11 8th Street Neighborhood Watch Meeting Join Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Art Ashcraft and other city representatives for the 8th Street Neighborhood Watch Meeting, starting at 6 p.m. April 11, at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Property crime is up along with two home-invasion robberies in San Pedro. It’s time we take back our neighborhoods. Details: (310) 344-0023 Venue: Alvas Showroom Location: 1417 8th St., San Pedro April 19 PCP Pneumonia Long Beach will have a rare opportunity to hear Dr. Gottlieb speak on the latest research around HIV and inflammation, at 6 p.m. April 19, at the Parr Health Enhancement Center on the campus of St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach.In 1981 Dr. Michael Gottlieb co-authored the first report of a handful of gay men in Los Angeles who were diagnosed with PCP pneumonia. Almost 31 years later much has happened to our understanding of the immune system and effective treatments for HIV. Newly diagnosed people can now expect long and healthy lives, but we still see signs of damage caused by on-going low levels of inflammation—even when someone is taking medication.Details: (562) 570-4544 Venue: Parr Health Enhancement Center Location: 1055 Linden Ave., Long Beach April 20 Health and Nutrition Mobile Unit Long Beach The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services has instituted a new "office on wheels," and one of their first stops takes place, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20, on the campus of St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach to reach out to clients of the C.A.R.E. Program. County Eligibility Workers will be on hand to interview potentially eligible individuals and families and process their CalFresh (the new "food stamps" card) and/or Medi-Cal applications on-site. Details:(562) 624-4919 April 21 Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup Keep Carson Beautiful, Adopt a Stormdrain Foundation, and Goodyear are teaming up again for Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup™. This year’s projects will begin, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 21, at the Goodyear Blimp with the removal of litter from the banks of the Dominguez Channel. Your help is needed for this very important project. Just a few hours of your time can make a big difference. Details: (424) 772-6293 Venue: Goodyear Blimp Location:19200 S. Main St., Carson April 28 POZ Life Weekend Seminar Comes to Long Beach The Life Group LA sponsors weekend seminars throughout Southern California, and once every few years Long Beach plays host to their inspirational and weekends. Their next seminar takes place all day April 28 and 29. Covering everything from the nuts and bolts of new treatment options, lab work, and clinical trials to complementary therapies such herbal medicines, meditation for wellness, and so much more. They bring a great lineup of presenters and also give those infected and affected by HIV an opportunity to gain insights and support from their peers. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Details: (888) 208-8081 April 28 Spring for C.A.R.E! Help support the C.A.R.E. Program, from 5 to 8 p.m. April 28, for a festive evening featuring selections of fine Spanish wines, paired with savory tapas, and delicious deserts. Spring for C.A.R.E. was started to develop a core of supporters who contribute $500 or more per year ($41.67 per month) to the C.A.R.E. Program. Donations support vital unfunded services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in our local community. Details (562) 624-4979 Tall Ships Seek Volunteers The TopSail Youth Program needs help for its Twin Brigantines. The San Pedro-based tall ships Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson are the venue for the TopSail Youth Program. Volunteers are needed for the spring and summer voyage seasons. Orientation meetings for new volunteers are held once each month. The 90-minute meetings are followed by a tour of one of the ships if available. Interested volunteers are invited to attend one of two meetings, at 10 a.m. April 14 or May 12, at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute offices at Berth 73 in San Pedro. Volunteers need no prior sailing experience. Training will be offered to all volunteers after a background check is completed. Volunteers for non-sailing activities are always welcome. Designated the "Official Tall Ships and Maritime Ambassadors of the City of Los Angeles" at their launch in 2002, the Sailing School Vessels Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson are charged with giving tens of thousands of young people the opportunity to experience teamwork, life-changing adventure and education found only on a tall ship at sea. It's more than just a boat ride. Purpose-built by the Institute to meet or exceed all U.S. Coast Guard requirements, the brigantines are named in honor of the late Capt. Irving and Electa "Exy" Johnson, character-building sail training pioneers and seven-time circumnavigators with youth crew aboard their sailing vessel Yankee. TopSail uses sailing the sea to educate youth for life. The Los Angeles Maritime Institute is a tax-exempt public-benefit corporation, founded by retired science teacher and sailing program pioneer, Capt. Jim Gladson. The insititute owns and operates two 100-foot brigantines, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson, and the 70-foot topsail schooner Swift of Ipswich. The TopSail Youth Program brings education, adventure and experience together aboard the institute's sailing vessels. Details: (310) 833-6055 Free Spay and Neuter Vouchers Los Angeles Animal Services is offering free and reduced-price spay or neuter vouchers for dogs or cats to low-income households making under $40,000 per year. Please visit the website for more information or visit the Harbor Animal Shelter in San Pedro. Details: (888) 452-7381 Venue: Harbor Care Control Location: 957 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:37:34 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=888&Itemid=83 LES ANNIE CLAYPOOL Echo Park’s Last And Truest Bohemians Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) By Lionel Rolfe A little more than 50 years ago, a guy named Les Claypool lived with his lovely wife Annie at the top of Echo Park Avenue in what may be the most Bohemian section of Los Angeles. They lived in a home built on the steep hillside out of giant redwood lumber and lots of glass and sunshine. It was a lovely place to wake up in after a great night of partying. Annie was the librarian at Bell Gardens High School, a city known in those days for having more ex-prisoners than any other city in the state at the time. In those days the residents were still mostly poor white trash--Oakies, or from Georgia or Alabama. The Claypool’s home was a famous spot in Echo Park bohemianism. Only a few years shy of a century ago, folks like photographer Edward Weston, avant garde composer John Cage, Carl Sandberg, Sadakitchi Hartmann, Aimee Semple McPherson, Woody Guthrie, had lived in the same general area and written poems and novels, painted, photographed and composed there. There was also a lot of passionate lovemaking going on. Greg Alexander, a student at the high school, used to go to some of those parties--first in Echo Park and later in Highland Park after the Claypools were forced to move from Echo Park. Alexander remembers a friend of Les and Annie's showing a 16mm movie which included some pretty cool laser images he had created. He remembers thinking "this is unbelievably cool, but how will they make money with it? Well Ivan Dryer and his friend, (Charlie, I think), went on to create the Laserium show at that ran over 25 years at the Griffith Park Observatory.” Claypool was a local celebrity by that point. He had an early radio show on KRHM, the predecessor of K-Earth, that basically introduced two great musicians to Los Angeles, because they were friends of his--Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan. He later continued his show on KPFK, but it never had quite the same punch as the KRHM one had had. I met Claypool in a coffeehouse near Los Angeles City College, and was a bit in awe. Partly that was because he was the son of a prominent Los Angeles newspaper man of the era who had the same name. Also, Claypool was a wild card, somewhere between a bohemian and a radical, except he had a tinge of a disposed white man about him as well. Especially when he’d get drunk and wave around a gun. He wasn’t quite as famous as Lenny Bruce or Mort Sahl in those days, but his patter could be pretty brilliant. He could be tedious and difficult in person, especially when he was drunk, but on the radio he was always great--and in person he could also be great when he was holding forth and pontificating. Folks would hang out at the Xanadu, on Melrose Avenue next to the Ukrainian Cultural Center and then on the weekends go to the great parties at the Claypools there atop Echo Park, overlooking the train yards and the 5 freeway. Whether at night or in the sunny mornings, they were great parties. For the sake of all of us who partook, I will not reveal in total detail there among the green hillside all that happened. But take my word word for it, there was a lot of drinking, free love, eating and playing chess going on there. The musicians who came by were impressive. There were a couple of real Blues guys, Sonny Terry Brownie McGhee. They came to hang, drink a lot of whiskey, and sometimes get admiring female attention, especially when the picked up banjo and harmonica and sang for hours. Les reminded me of my old boyhood hero Mort Sahl. He was cut out of that traditional American revolutionary stance, started by Tom Paine, Benjamin Franklin and sanctified by Mark Twain. He summed up for a lot of us the ideas of the counter culture, whether it was opposition to imperialist wars, or the hypocrisy of the ruling class. One night Les acted on what had been bugging him for several years. He was getting tired of his show. His boss, the guy who owned the radio station, was of course much more conservative than his employee, but he liked the ratings Claypool gave him. But what really stuck in Les’ crawl was that he sometimes had to do the ads himself--one in particular galled him, an ad for toothpaste, and another, i think, for something even more banal and genocidal--I forgot exactly what now. One night rather than reading the ad, Claypool launched into some diatribe against the product, and for the 20 minutes it took the station owner to drive down to the station and fire him on the air, Claypool ranted. It was a brilliant rant, one of the greats. It was a sort of empty gesture, though, and his firing eventually resulted in the destruction of Anne and Les’ domestic life. Les had met Anne because she was an acolyte who loved to come down to the station and hang out with Les while he did the show. She was a pretty and charming and intelligent young woman then and it was hard even for Les, the divine malcontent, not to enjoy her company. Eventually everything came apart between Anne and Les, when she ran off with someone else after they were forced to move to Highland Park. In truth, he hadn’t always treated her very well, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected. For some years after the radio show, Les did some high-end photography with his beloved Hasselblad camera. But none of it was ever again like it had been in the glory years. I met up with Les a few years later, and he had definitely fallen on harder times. He was with another woman, and she was no Annie. Then I didn’t hear from him for years, and no one seemed to know what had happened to him. And then, one by one, the folks who would have known, died off. There is a rock musician who has the same name as Claypool around today and when I heard there was such, I idly wondered if Les was his father. I know Annie wouldn’t have been the mother, but Les had been married once before and had had a kid or kids with his first wife. I do know that Les and Annie made their mark there in the Bohemian gardens at the top of Echo Park for many years. Lionel Rolfe is the author of “Literary L.A.,” about which a documentary is being made (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Literary-LA/115509071864686?sk=wall). Many of his books, including “Literary L.A.,” “Fat Man on the Left,” “The Menuhins: A Family Odyssey” and “The Uncommon Friendship of Yaltah Menuhin and Willa Cather” are available digitally in Amazon’s Kindlestore. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:45:05 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=886&Itemid=129 LB in Top 10 of Social Media Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) A recent study from the University of Illinois that has named Long Beach as one of the top 10 cities in America for social media engagement on the web. Long Beach was ranked No. 9, with the top spots going to Seattle and New York City. The report, from UIC's College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs checked out local government websites in the 75 largest U.S. cities. The City of Long Beach has developed innovative new smartphone applications, focused on social networking, enhanced online video, and numerous other technology improvements. It is in the process of re-imagining the city website, and upgrading public safety technology. Measure Seeks to End Inhumane, Unsporting ‘Hounding’ Sen. Ted Lieu of Torrance, introduced a bill this past month to end unsporting and inhumane practice using packs of dogs to hunt bears and bobcats. Under legislation the introduced bear and bobcat houndsmen would no longer be able to use dogs to pursue their prey in California, a practice which animal welfare advocates and hunters alike agree is inhumane, unsporting and unfair. Hound hunters use packs of dogs, often equipped with radio collars, to chase bobcats and bears to exhaustion. In their attempt to escape, the bear or bobcat often takes refuge in a tree, allowing a hunter to simply track the dogs’ radio collar signal, take aim and shoot the animal. In addition, the dogs used for this type of hunting are sometimes treated inhumanely, some abandoned in the field, and others suffer abuse from neglect. Other wildlife are often harassed, disturbed or physically harmed during hounding pursuits as well. Sponsored by The Humane Society of The United States, Senate Bill 1221 would expressly prohibit the use of dogs to pursue any bear or bobcat. The bill would not affect the use of dogs by bird hunters. Many other major bear-hunting states, including Colorado, Montana, Oregon and Washington, do not permit hounding. SB 1221 is awaiting assignment to a policy-review committee, which is expected to occur within the next month. “California has a long history of protecting its resources and protecting animal welfare,” said Lieu about SB 1221, which is coauthored by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. “The continued use of hound hunting runs counter, however, to California’s reputation as a humane state. Hound hunting of bears is illegal in two-thirds of the United States; the time has come for California to abolish this inhumane and unnecessary practice.” Hit-and-Run Turns To Murder Investigation Long Beach--At about 12:50 a.m. March 24, Long Beach Police responded to the 1100 block of Stanley Avenue in regards to a call that initially began as a hit-and-run incident, which police are now investigating as a murder. A male adult driving a green Dodge pick-up truck was traveling northbound in the 1100 block of Stanley Avenue when he struck a parked vehicle. A witness to the collision, identified as 27-year-old Yon Chreng of Long Beach, attempted to wave down the driver to keep him from fleeing. At that time, detectives believe the driver aimed his vehicle at Victim Chreng, running him down and dragging him a short distance before striking three additional parked vehicles. The suspect then fled on foot, leaving the vehicle behind at the scene. The victim died at the scene. Anyone who may have any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244 or visiting www.tipsoft.com. Rep. Hahn Introduces Violence Against Women Act Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Janice Hahn joined her colleagues, March 28, in introducing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. This legislation strengthens the abilities of the federal government, states, law enforcement and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act has a strong track record of success, demonstrably improving the criminal justice system’s ability to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable. The annual incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50 percent since the law was originally enacted. “Americans need to feel safe at work, at home and in the community,” Hahn said. “Unfortunately too many women continue to live in fear. That is why I have joined my colleagues to reauthorize – and strengthen – the Violence Against Women Act.” Undetermined Death At about 6:10 p.m. March 28 Long Beach Police responded to a residence in the 2800 block of Studebaker Road to check on the well being of the residents. Neighbors reported that the yard was over grown and they had not seen the occupants for a period of time. Officers checked the residence and found the body of an adult male inside. They were unable to determine a cause of death and homicide detectives were called to the scene to assist. Detectives are looking into who resides in the home and their whereabouts and the investigation remains ongoing. The identity of the subject is unknown and will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, along with the official cause of death. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244 or anonymously at www.tipsoft.com. Requirement would affect junior and senior high studentsSACRAMENTO – On March 28, he Senate education panel approved Sen. Ted W. Lieu’s ‘financial literacy’ plan for students. After Sen. Ted W. Lieu cited how ‘illiteracy’ of basic financial topics has contributed to the economic malaise affecting California and the nation, the Senate Education Committee approved his plan to improve personal finance instruction in public junior and senior high schools statewide. The crisis also illustrates that the financial well-being of individuals and families is fundamental to national financial stability and that a lack of financial literacy is one barrier that can lower standards of living and limit prosperity, Lieu said. More than 38 states require some form of personal finance instruction to be incorporated into curriculum; California would be the 39th. Specifically, Senate Bill 1080 would authorize school districts to provide instruction related to personal finances in economics curriculum, personal finance topics, such as budgeting, savings, credit and identity theft. The bill would also require the state Department of Education to include financial literacy in the textbooks for mathematics and history-social science. SB 1080 marks the fifth measure Lieu has pushed his education-improvement policy. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed previous versions, but Lieu is hopeful that the current governor, Jerry Brown, will be more receptive. “I believe the teaching of financial literacy skills is vital to equip the young people of California with the tools they need to enter the workforce,” Lieu said. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:17:35 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=885&Itemid=129 Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) THEATER FILM April 6 Searching for Elliot Smith Long Beach Cinematheque is proud to present an encore screening of the documentary Searching for Elliott Smith, with an in-person Q-and-A following the film with director Gil Reyes, starting at 10 p.m., April 6, at the Art Theatre of Long Beach. The evening will start with a half-hour set of acoustic Elliott Smith covers by local musicians and Smith fans. Tickets are $11. Elliott Smith’s intensely intimate songs helped popularize lo-fi, indie-rock: A traditionally underground genre until Smith’s mainstream effort “Miss Misery” took Hollywood by surprise. But even after an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, he managed to fly mostly under the radar. And Smith wanted it that way. After his suicide in 2003, Smith’s peers avoided the media. Granting very few print interviews and NO on-camera interviews. Until now. From his high school days as a National Merit Scholar, to his early work in the Portland rock band, ‘Heatmiser’, to critical acclaim… to his mysterious death at the age of 34. We learn the dark motivations behind a musical genius. And discover how psychic pain can also produce timeless art. Details: http://tinyurl.com/elliottsmith-tickets Venue: Art Theatre Long Beach Location: 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach April 7 Space Oddity Space Oddity: A Tribute to David Bowie takes place at 8 p.m. at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. Tickets are $20 to $25 Details: www.grandvision.org Venue: Grand Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro April 7 The Love List In The Love List, Leon and Bill celebrate a 15th birthday by filling out a gypsy matchmaker’s wish list for the perfect woman. When that longed for lady walks through the door, both of their lives are turned upside down and they quickly learn that their list could use a few revisions. The play runs through April 7 at Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro. Tickets are $25. Details: (310) 512-6030 Venue: Little Fish Theatre Location: 777 Centre St., San Pedro April 13 Battle Royale See the original 2000 Japanese thriller Battle Royale finally being released to U.S. theatrical audiences after more than 10 years, starting at 11:30 p.m. April 13, at the Art Theatre in Long Beach. Shocking, controversial, and banned in many countries, director Kinji Fukasaku's film - based on the novel by Kōshun Takami - tells the story of a class of teenagers that are forced by the government to compete in a deadly game, where the students must kill each other so that only one may live. Sound familiar? It's no surprise that the film is finally being released on the heels of the very similar series The Hunger Games, satisfying many an avid cult fan's outcry that the fantastic "Battle Royale" finally get the recognition it deserves. See the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIuRjqcpuGQ. Details: http://tinyurl.com/battleroyale-tickets Venue: Art Theatre Long Beach Location: 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach April 14 Forbidden Broadway Previewing on April 13, curtain open for Theatre West’s production of Forbidden Broadway for 12 shows April 14 through 29, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. Details: (562) 856-1999 x4. Venue: Carpenter Performing Arts Center Location: 6200 E. Atherton Street, Long Beach April 14 On the Fritz! On the Fritz! Comedy with Fritz Coleman promises calm skies, light traffic and a mild chance of laughter, starting at 8 p.m., at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. Venue: Grand Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro April 15 Hell Back Again In Hell Back Again, U.S. Marine Sgt. Nathan Harris leads his unit to fight in Afghanistan then returns home to face normalcy of life. The event is free. Details: www.grandvision.org Venue: Grand Annex Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:00:55 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=884&Itemid=129 Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) ENTERTAINMENT March 29 College Boy Night Stop studying and start partying March 29 at The Brit Bar in Long Beach. Venue: The Brit Location: 1744 E. Broadway, Long Beach March 31 Gayopolis See you on the dance floor, starting at 10 p.m. March 31, at Hamburger Mary’s for a Gayopolis of super heroes and villains dance party. Venue: Hamburger Mary's Location: 740 E. Broadway March 31 Pike Bartender Battle Come to Paradise for round 2 of the mix and mingle event, from 2 to 5 p.m. March 31, as your favorite bartender at "The Pike" come up with the most unique cocktails in Long Beach. A big $500 gift prize goes to the best Bartender. Join us and cheer up your favorite. Competition will be judged on concept, creativity and taste. Details: (562) 590-8773 Venue: Paradise Piano Bar Location: 1800 E. Broadway, Long Beach April 14 Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time The Golden State Pops Orchestra performs Disney music at 7 p.m. April 14, at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center. As the 10-year-old non-profit orchestra sought new spaces to produce their unique brand of entertainment, the city of El Segundo emerged as a perfect match with GSPO’s family-friendly approach to accessible orchestra music. Details: (310) 433 8774; www.gspo.com Venue: El Segundo Performing Arts Center Location: 640 Main St., El SegundoFAMILY/COMMUNITY March 30 Special Reception at The Center Long Beach The Center Long Beach invites you to a reception honoring Long Beach Police Department Deputy Chief Laura Farinella, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 30. The reception follows the Women’s History Month Speakers’ Series at which Farinella will be speaking at 6:30. The public is also invited to attend. She is the first woman and out lesbian promoted to Deputy Chief in the Long Beach Police Department. She serves as a great role model. Details: www.centerlb.org Venue: The Center Long Beach Location: 2017 E. 4th St., Long Beach March 31 Community Resource Festival Join the Community Resource Festival, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park in Long Beach. The event will feature resources, music, cultural art performances and more. Details: (562) 570-4722 Venue: Cesar E. Chavez Park Location: 401 Golden Ave., Long Beach April 2 Dining for Dollars Super Mex Restaurant is teaming up to support the California Diversity Pageant by donating 20 percent of profits, from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 2, in Long Beach. Details: (562) 436-0707 Venue: Super Mex Location: 732 E. 1st St., Long Beach April 6 QSpeak Series Launches with Sister Spit The Center Long Beach presents the 2012 QSpeak Series, the only speaker series devoted to showcasing LGBTQ-focused artistic content in Long Beach, at 7 p.m. April 6, at the Art Theatre. Venue: Art Theatre Location: 2025 E. 4th Street Long Beach April 13 Celebrating Women’s History Month The Center Long Beach is proud to present and host the 2012 Women’s History Month Speakers’ Series featuring Jeanne Córdova, a pioneering LGBTQ activist, organizer and writer at 6:30 p.m. April 13. She will be discussing her latest book, When We Were Outlaws: a Memoir of Love Revolution. Details: www.centerlb.org Venue: The Center Long Beach Location: 2017 E. 4th St., Long Beach April 14 LBSU vs. Pepperdine Men's Volleyball Game Saturday Experience the power of Beach men’s volleyball in this Southern California showdown, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Ukleja Room within the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach. Hear from Coach Andy Read on the 2012 campaign and the outlook for the playoffs, and about Beach men’s volleyball alumni vying for spots on the 2012 Olympic Team. This match will be held on senior night, when graduating players will be congratulated and acknowledged during their final Cal State Long Beach home match. Cost is $25. Details: (562) 985-1606 Venue: Walter Pyramid Location: 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach April 14 Chandler Preserve Nature Walk Admire the flourishing 28-acre Chandler Preserve, from 9 to 11 a.m., featuring restored habitat for endangered blue butterflies and look for special native wildflowers. Details: (310) 541-7613 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:50:10 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=883&Itemid=129 Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) March 29 Waterfront Update Public Meeting The Port of Los Angeles is hosting its annual Los Angeles Waterfront Update Public Pedro. Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel Location: 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro Learn How to Combat Animal Cruelty Long Services are joining forces to present a free educational event, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 29, aimed at preventing animal cruelty at Skylinks at Long Beach. The conference will feature prominent speakers, including Eric Sakach, senior law enforcement specialist for the Humane Society of the United States and Deputy District Attorney Deborah Knaan, who supervises animal cruelty prosecution for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. According 64.5 percent of all animal cruelty cases reported involved dogs, while 18 percent of Details: (562) 570-5626; www.CityProsecutorDougHaubert.com Venue: Skylinks at Long Beach Location: 4800 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach Heroes Dinner Join the Rotary Club of San Pedro's Community Heroes Dinner on March 29. Proceeds will benefit Harbor Interfaith Services, the Boys Girls Club College Bound program and Rainbow Services' art program for children. Details: SanniWehbe@yahoo.com March 31 Walk with Gerrie: Shaping Up the Fifth Long Beach District 5 Councilwoman invited community members to walk with her to assess the district infrastructure and identify problems that need to be fixed in their neighborhoods, from 8 to 10 a.m. March 31, at the Emerson Parkside Details: (562) 570-6932 Venue: Emerson Location: 2625 Josie Ave., Long Beach April 9 NWSPNC Stakeholder Meeting The upcoming board and stakeholder meeting for the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood The Venue: Peck Park Location: 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro April 10 Women's Business Council Small Business Roundtable Learn p.m. April 10, at the Women's Business Council Small Business Roundtable at Environ Join lively discussion with legal professionals and mediators to explore the pros Venue: Environ Architecture Inc. Location: 100 Oceangate, P-200, Long Beach April 13 Sports Youth Camp Fundraiser The NeighborhoodLuv Foundation is raising money to buy sports equipment for One fundraiser is for a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Tickets are $5. Last day to buy tickets is April 13. Details: www.neighborhoodluv.org April 14 Free Cat Rabies Vaccine, Cat Microchip Long Beach Animal Care Services is offering free cat rabies vaccinations and microchip, April 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Houghton Park, and from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Details: (562) 570-7387; www.longbeach.gov/acs Venues: Houghton Park, Admiral Kidd Locations: 6301 Myrtle Ave., 2125 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach April 15 Poetry Contest Central Pointe Fine Arts is sponsoring a free poetry contests that is open to San Pedro residents. There Poems of 21 lines or less on any subject and in any subject an in any style will be judged. Entrants must include their name and address on the same page as the poem. Entries Details: Shooting Victim Left Paralyzed The Long Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s help with any information near 7th Street and Rose Avenue, and left a man paralyzed. Once there were two occupants sitting in a vehicle parked along the east curb of Rose Avenue, north of 7th Street. At that time, the victim's vehicle was approached by a small red compact vehicle with the two suspects. The passenger of the suspect vehicle exited and fired on the occupants of the victim's vehicle, before getting Avenue. The was in the driver's seat when he was struck in the upper body by gunfire. He was transported sustained in the shooting. The passenger in the victim's vehicle was unharmed. Although the victims are not gang members, investigators believe the suspects are, and the case continues to be investigated by Long Beach Police Gang victim had just left a marijuana collective on 7th street and as he returned to his vehicle.Witnesses describe a female black, about 19 to 21-years-old, as the driver of black, 25 to 29 years old. Detectives also believe the victim encountered a third suspect two suspects. That third suspect is described as a male black, unknown age, who was seen getting into the red compact vehicle prior to the shooting. The suspect vehicle is described as a red Ford 90s 2-door. Detectives have followed-up on and exhausted all leads and are asking that may be able to identify the suspect vehicle, to come forward. Anyone with information are asked to call (562) 570-7370 or visit: www.tipsoft.com. San Gabriel River is Resurfaced The San Gabriel River bike path is being resurfaced until March 26. The City of Long Beach and the City of Seal Beach are funding the project, which is in both cities. While crews are working on one segment, the other two segments will remain open. The bike trail will be resurfaced with asphalt containing recycled rubber striping and increased signage, including mile-markers, will be installed. The offset by grant funds awarded to the City of Seal Beach by the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. The City of Long Beach's share of the project expense is supported by $375,000 Development Act grant funding. Women’s FINdings Project FINdings FINdings The San Pedro Toberman group meets on Tuesday mornings and the Harbor Gateway group meets on Wednesday mornings. The project will host a booth at the National Center for Family Literacy Conference, at the end of March, in San Diego. The women are in need of zippers, trinkets. Details: www.findingsartcenter.org Cold Case Victim Identified, Help Sought The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public health in identifying the person or persons responsible for the 1974 death of Oral Stuart Jr., a U.S. Marine, who had been stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., at the time of his disappearance. On responded to a large condominium complex in the area of Spring Street near the 605 The victim would remain unidentified and the official cause of his death undetermined taking it out of the cold case files. Detectives now hope that the community can provide The officers that responded to the complex in 1974 located the victim in the carport area of the complex. He had sustained blunt force trauma and other injuries, but the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office was not able to identify him or make a determination as to the official cause of his death at that time. Police investigators the victim, but were not successful. The case of “John Doe #155” was ruled an undetermined where it remained for several decades. Utilizing grant funding from the National Cold Cases Unit regularly conduct detailed research into unsolved homicides and undetermined deaths going as far back as the early 1970’s. Cases with biological evidence suitable for DNA analysis are identified, and the grant funds cover the research, as well as the DNA testing of these cases. While the case of “John Doe #155,” and as they re-examined the information, they suspected based on his physical description. They contacted the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Police investigators worked with the special agent in charge of investigating U.S. Marines John Doe #155, and details related to the discovery of his body on November 10, 1974. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service identified the case of a U.S. Marine the discovery of John Doe #155. The history statement of the U.S. Marine indicated Doe #155 during his autopsy. The Stuart, Jr., from Des Moines, Iowa. Stuart’s surviving family members were contacted and confirmed through photographs that John Doe #155 was in fact Oral Stuart Jr. With John Doe #155 being officially identified as a U.S. Marine, and statements not have voluntarily deserted his duties as a Marine, cold case detectives suspected the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, which reclassified the death as a homicide. With the victim identified, detectives are now turning to the public to help provide more answers to this case. Anyone with information is urged to call Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted via Web at www.tipsoft.com LB Citizens Police Complaint Commission Opening The 1, 2, 8 and one at-large. In June there will be an additional 3 available positions in The chartered commission receives allegations of police misconduct with emphasis sexual overtones. The commission is independent; falling under the city manager's office and neither advocates for the Long Beach Police Department nor complainants. Details: (562) 570-6891 QFilms 2012 Feature through www.withoutabox.com. The full festival line up of films as well as passes and The QFilm Festival annually presents narrative features, documentaries and short films that embody the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Jury awards will be given to worthy films in several categories. In addition, new Feature Film prize package valued at more than $10,000 that will include free use and a graphics package. The Burbank-based Greenhouse Studios will also award free use of an Offline Edit Suite for two weeks, 4 hours of free HD color correction and a graphics package. QFilm Festival 2012 will open at the Art Theatre the evening of Sept. and will run through 16. All net proceeds from the festival will benefit The Center Long Beach and its Details: (562) 889-2826; www.arttheatrelongbeach.com Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:08:40 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=882&Itemid=83 Why I Like My Old Friend Gerald Nicosia So Much By Lionel Rolfe, Photos by Susan McRae I met up with my old friend Gerald Nicosia the other day at Beyond Baroque in Venice where they were holding forth about Jack Kerouac on the occasion of his 90th birthday.Nicosia, whose book Memory Babe has remained the major biography of the man, was joined by Harry E. Northrup and Aram Saroyan and lots of other beat poets in a moving celebration. There was talk of Ferlinghetti, Ginsberg, Kenneth Patchen and Kenneth Rexroth. There was a religious fervor to the moment, even if Gerald was obviously tired. He’d been traveling to promote his new book One And Only: The Untold Story Of On The Road. But when a special moment from Kerouac was mentioned, his face lit up and the tiredness vanished and he burned with an intensity that belied his aches and pains.People who tend to write off Bohemians as politically left miss the fact that Kerouac’s friendship with William F. Buckley was based on two pillars they shared: Catholicism and conservative politics. Kerouac even had real anti-Semitic animosity to Ginsberg.But that day at Beyond Baroque, these were people speaking from a deep part of them--Kerouac had affected them all to the core of their beings, and they had a conviction akin to those who claim Jesus as their savior. I was awed at the devotion. Kerouac was their liberator.For myself, I’m a bit more ambivalent about the beats. Part of me loves them, but other parts of me are very uncomfortable with them.I know that Kerouac’s On The Road was inspired by Jack London’s The Road as well, and he had no religious impulse. And it is true that Kerouac’s “Road” is a more transcendent than London’s, who had no truck for organized religion. His religion was revolution and socialism.For me, though, the fact that Kerouac was moved by London, obviously in the way I and others were moved by him, made Kerouac one of the chosen. He was a bohemian at heart, but he was also transcendent and religious. As a good atheist, I could accept that.Nicosia, in point, read a part of On The Road that could really be Dante or Blake. In it, the angels literally danced. Kerouac profoundly believed in angels. The scene, which Kerouac regarded as the best in the book, has moments of Dante and Blake--it is surrealistic and visionary in that same way.As a lover of the original California bohemians--Mark Twain, Jack London, and so forth--I also knew that Kerouac remained one of the anointed, despite any transgressions. One of my favorite Kerouac works was a book about “Big Sur.” I think that was its title. So as people talked and read, images of the night I had spent there, sleeping for a night on a beach at Big Sur, rushed back on me. And I’m sure for almost everyone at Beyond Baroque that night, they all were harboring highly evocative and intimate moments. They all tried to speak to the mystery of why Kerouac and Cassady had changed so many lives.Out on the steps of Beyond Baroque, my journalist-photographer friend Susan McRae took a photo of the two of us, showing in my view, two very tired old men. She also captured him reading from Kerouac’s favorite scene in “On The Road.” This was the first time we had met since I wrote about Nicosia’s role in the upcoming film version of On The Road. He told me my article had gone viral on the Internet, but his book was being ignored by most American media. He noted though that he had just been interviewed on French radio by a show claiming 10 million or more listeners, and he smiled. Perhaps that’s because the movie is due to be premiered in May at the Cannes Film Festival.There is a “back story,” as they like to call it nowadays. Ever since Nicosia took Jan Kerouac’s side, she being Jack’s daughter, against the Sampas family of Lowell, Mass., in the matter of Kerouac’s estate, there’s been a desperate battle. Toward the end of his life, Jack had a wife named Stella Sampas he was married to for a short time, whose family Nicosia regards as being mobsters. Even though a final ruling late last year said the will that gave them control was clearly a forgery, the matter is still in limbo because of peculiarities of probate law in Florida. Jan, who filed the case, has, in the meanwhile died, and now the proceeds theoretically go to her heirs, yet the Sampas family still controls the $30 million dollar estate.“The Sampases always hated my book,” Nicosia told me, “because I was the first biographer to reveal that Jack was trying to divorce Stella when he died, and also that he had disinherited Stella and left everything to his mother.”Nicosia says that in Memory Babe. He also revealed the fact that Stella’s father had murdered a man in a Greek dice game and went to prison for 30 years.” He mentioned that Stella’s brother Tony, now deceased, ran the bookie operations in Lowell and in other ways the family was tied up in most of the vice in Lowell.“A real nice Greek family. Ha ha. Anyway, they were gunning for my book even before Jan filed her lawsuit in 1994. In 1991, the Sampas brothers and sisters voted John Sampas to be the literary executor, and in 1992 he made a six-book deal for published and unpublished Kerouac books with Viking Penguin.“A week later, I was notified by my editor, David Stanford, that Penguin was terminating my book. This made no sense at all. In 1987, Penguin had done a green paperback of Memory Babe (with a Robert Frank photo on the front) after Grove had put it out of print.“In 1991, as the Kerouac boom grew, Stanford had told me they were preparing to do a new, large format edition of Memory Babe. Then a few months later, as Penguin becomes the official publisher of all future Kerouac books, they kicked Memory Babe out.“Stanford denied that Sampas had anything to do with it, but I was later told by insiders that Sampas had made termination of Memory Babe one of his conditions for the six-book Kerouac deal. Once I sided with Jan’s lawsuit in 1994, of course, the war was full on, and Sampas has used every sort of pressure on Viking Penguin, including demanding that they remove my name, and Memory Babe’s name, from all books on Kerouac, and bibliographies inside Kerouac books. I don’t exist for them, though many of the books they list in their bibliographies actually cite Memory Babe in their own bibliographies!”He notes that despite the effort to expunge his work, even the London Times Literary Supplement called Memory Babe the “definitive biography” of Kerouac.Nicosia did not have to prove to me the importance of his work. Sampas couldn’t rewrite history for us because we all knew that Memory Babe was the major work on Kerouac.I got a taste of the passions involved when shortly after I wrote about Nicosia’s involvement with the “On The Road” movie, Carolyn Cassady wrote me a letter from Berkshire, England, home of Windsor Castle as well as Cassady, to the west of London.“I’m afraid you consider Gerald Nicosia as sane and reliable,” she wrote.“I knew Gerald very well; I helped him write his book; he moved into my home for weeks and followed me to Hollywood. I had thought his book would be the definitive biography ... Alas, it is NOT.”I think Carolyn hates Nicosia’s new book because there he makes the case that Neal Cassady’s first wife, Lu Anne, was a lot bigger influence on Cassady and Kerouac than Carolyn ever was.The new movie focuses more on Lu Anne’s relationship with the two protagonists of “On The Road,” whereas up until now, most of what people know about Cassady and Kerouac comes from Carolyn Cassady, Cassady’s second wife. Her memoirs shaped the 1980 film “Heart Beat,” starring Nick Nolte as Cassady and Sissy Spacek as Carolyn.Nicosia reminded me we have known each other for now than three decades now. I met him at a book convention in 1982, and we became friends. I gave him the first edition of my “Literary L.A.,” the one published by Chronicle Books then. He was there for something to do with Memory Babe. “I have a strong visual image of the two of us walking down a long corridor coming out of the ABA,” he said. He said he liked me because physically I had reminded him of his best friend, an Albanian poet friend who committed suicide at 27.He said that his friend was “the brightest man I’d ever met, and you were clearly bright too. And we had a lot of shared literary interests, like Kerouac, as well as a lot of shared compassionate values about helping the poor and needy in society instead of making wars. I liked your writing as soon as I read some of it—and I still do.”He also complimented my writing highly, saying “Your ability to combine the very personal with the very political, and at the same time an astute historical overview of society and the times, is nothing short of marvelous--and of course you are eminently readable at the same time.”I guess Nicosia and I were a powerful mutual admiration society.We talked about our current writing. We talked about my piece on Oscar Zeta Acosta, for example.“I had read of Acosta years ago, when I learned that he was the other main character, besides Thompson, in Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. I still think that may be Thompson’s greatest book, for exposing the core insanity, sheer madness, greed, sex- drug- and pleasure-hunger at the core of American life.“I never learned a lot about Acosta the real man, till I read your piece. You make him eminently sympathetic, even tragic—someone I would like to have known, though I don’t run in the heavy booze or drug circles he clearly did, and am doing my best to stay alive, against a lot of serious health problems, rather than trying to kill myself, as Acosta and Thompson apparently were. “Your insights about drugs and sex being used as countercultural weapons were I think quite brilliant, right on—no one that I know of has attempted to explain people like Thompson and Acosta in quite that manner. It’s a rich vein yet to be explored," he said.I do not know all that is at work here--a couple of old farts who tell each other how great they are. If so, what’s so terrible about that? A very well known and respected writer thinks my writing is good, and I’m damn sure his is good, what’s to complain? So of course I like Gerald Nicosia.Looking back, I now can see that Gerald had more of an influence in my life than I had first realized--and perhaps I in his.I once spent a couple of days living in Ron Kovic’s surprisingly modest apartment. I was hanging there with, among others, Linda Bukowski. Kovic’s was the Vietnam paraplegic who wrote Born on the Fourth of July, which became a celebrated Oliver Stone movie by the same name. There was a lot of good conversation.I realized later I was there because of Nicosia, for Kovic was a friend of Nicosia’s, who had besides literature and stuff, written an important book on veterans, Home To War. In his case, he was writing about Vietnam veterans, despised by those they fought against and those who had sent them to war in the first place. Their presence was no great testament to that war. I’m sure what gave that war such immediacy to my generation was a simple fact. The draft was still around. It’s been suggested had the draft been around for Bush junior, there would have been no war in Iraq either. Our lives had been deeply affected by that war in so many ways.No less than Oliver Stone, who directed the film version of Kovic’s Born on the Fourth of July in 1989, declared that “Gerald Nicosia has an uncommon understanding of the struggle of veterans to give meaning to their war and a struggle, too, to redeem themselves. Home to War is a powerful history of our times.” I don’t know if I was excited to talk to Linda in part because I wanted to interview her husband, who was giving me no help. He wrote me in one letter to “make it up and say I said it,” which obviously bugged the solid journalist part of me. Finally I spent a night getting drunk with Bukowski and I guess it went OK, but that’s another story. That’s the advantage of being an old fart. You have lots of stories in you. And with two old farts, the number of stories undoubtedly go up exponentially.Maybe that’s why I like Gerald Nicosia.Lionel Rolfe is the author of “Literary L.A.,” about which a documentary is being made (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Literary-LA/115509071864686?sk=wall). Many of his books, including “Literary L.A.,” “Fat Man on the Left,” “The Menuhins: A Family Odyssey” and “The Uncommon Friendship of Yaltah Menuhin and Willa Cather” are available digitally in Amazon’s Kindlestore. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:46:27 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=880&Itemid=129 Nonprofits Get Welcome to Long Beach Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) Councilman Dee Andrews, along with the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services welcomed, March 21, the newly located nonprofits at Central Facilities Center in Long Beach. With the assistance of Councilman Dee Andrews and the City of Long Beach Department Health and Human Services, five new agencies have joined the Center to complete the synergy of service to the community. The Central Facilities Center at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park opened in October 1974 to serve the community. The center contains three components: childcare services, provided by the City of Long Beach Unified School District; public health services, provided by the Department of Health and Human Services; and community service nonprofit agencies. A major purpose of the center is to provide community based services within close proximity, information and referral, outreach and public relations, as well as personnel to direct residents to specific agencies that can meet their needs. The following programs and services will now be provided at the center: Child Development Center - Educational child-care services to children of low-income parents, between the ages of 2 to 5 years. Helpline Youth Counseling, Inc.- Individual, group and family counseling to Long Beach at-risk youth ages 8 to 18. Parent Empowerment classes are also provided. Women, Infants and Children — Supplemental nutrition program that provides monthly food coupons, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care services. Long Beach Sixth District City Council Community Office. New Generations- Leadership, mentoring and sports programming for youth. United Cambodian Community — Mentoring, tutoring, youth leadership classes, and translation services. First 5 LA- Best Start program to improve health of children. A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project- Program to support for women and girls to lead healthy lives. St. Mary Medical Center (Families in Good Health/Educated Men with Meaningful Messages- EM3)- Southeast Asian male involvement program. Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank- U.S.D.A. Food Distribution second Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. F.A.M.E. Taxi Voucher and Token Distribution — second Tuesday at 2 p.m. Details: (562) 570-6816; www.longbeach.gov/District6. Hahn Urges House Act on Transportation Jobs Bill Washington, D.C. – On March 21, Congresswoman Janice Hahn cosponsored the bipartisan job-creating Senate transportation bill that passed past week by a vote of 74 to 22 and called on House Republicans to abandon their partisan transportation bill, and bring it up immediately. “If Republicans and Democrats can come together in the Senate on a bill, surely we can do the same in the House,” said Rep. Hahn in a press release. “It is imperative that House Republican leadership move quickly to bring this bipartisan bill to the floor for a vote, ensuring President (Barack) Obama has legislation to sign before the current highway program expires at the end of the month. Any delay will hurt Americans because state and local governments will lose out on transportation funding critical to our economic recovery.” Lieu introduces bill to halt deceptive marketing Los Angeles – A new bill announced March 21 would put in place new consumer protections against deceptive marketing in health care just as California prepares to implement the Affordable Care Act. Speaking at a Los Angeles news conference with key community groups, California state Sen. Ted W. Lieu announced legislation to help consumers take full advantage of the new law and not be targets of fraudulent or deceptive marketing practices. To address the potential for scams, Senate Bill 1313 seeks to boost consumer confidence and trust in health care reform by strengthening consumer protections and closing gaps in state law. Under the Affordable Care Act, immigrants who are citizens or lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for subsidies to purchase insurance offered in the California Health Benefit Exchange and certain public programs. At the same time, SB 1313 would prohibit any plan, insurer or their representative from misrepresenting the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, including the mandate to buy health insurance. It also requires prior approval of marketing materials, extending these protections to health insurance products regulated by the California Department of Insurance and improves existing protections under the California Department of Managed Health Care. Lieu’s bill would specifically prohibit selling certain types of products, such as cancer-only insurance, to individuals that do not have health care coverage that meets basic requirements. SB 1313 also includes a key provision that would ensure that those who do not speak English are able to get the health care coverage they need by requiring health plans and insurers that market to non-English speakers provide translation and interpretation services in the same language. Details: www.senate.ca.gov/lieu Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:49:09 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=877&Itemid=129 Occupy Wall Street Spring Initiative Begins On March 17, the Occupy Wall Street Movement officially emerged with its spring initiative on the 6-month anniversary of its birth in Zuccotti Park, this past Sept. 17. The day began with a parent-and-child chalk-art event in Zuccotti Park, OWS's headquarters for its first several months, before violent police evictions, beginning in November. At 11 a.m., Occupiers began a march through the the financial district, with numbers significantly larger than the couple of hundred protesters who've shown up at similar marches during the bleakest months of winter. When Occupiers returned to Zuccotti Park, there were repeated standoffs with the police, resulting in a half dozen arrests in the early afternoon, before a more familiar mood set in. A General Assembly was conducted and a drum circle was convened, then their numbers swelled with the arrival of a delegation from the Left Forum, a national radical conference being held at nearby Pace University. The delegation included filmmaker Michael Moore, who spoke to reporters. "I think it's great that this movement continues to grow," said Moore to Reuters and other news outlets. "I think the goals are clear. People are concerned that they have no control over their own democracy. They have no control over their own lives. "This is the beginning. This park is sacred ground for millions across the country." Occupiers intended to spend the night in the park—which legally must be kept open 24 hours a day—but they were violently expelled by a massive police presence just before midnight, with scores of arrests (total for the day was at least 73). One arrestee, Cecily McMillan, suffered a seizure while handcuffed. Witnesses said it took more than 20 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, with no paramedics on the scene to ensure her safety. (She could have cracked her skull and died as a result of her convulsions, while police did nothing to protect her. After the eviction, hundreds of Occupiers began an impromptu march, which police followed, make several more scattered arrests. One arrestee, @ShawnCarrie tweeted: "Police broke my left thumb and possibly my jaw. My right ear is bleeding and theres a bootprint on my face." Author Jeff Sharlett (The Family, Sweet Heaven When I Die) who has been closely following the Occupy Movement since its inception, tweeted, "At what point can we call this a police riot? Broken bones, broken windows, blood on the streets." The march ended around 2:30 a.m. in Union Square, which has now become OWS's new base of operations. Protests were held the next day, Sunday, in solidary with all those arrested in Occupy demonstrations on Saturday. In statement, the following Monday, five members of the New York City Council decried the New York Police Department´s behavior. “It is a sad reality that the events of March 17th come as little surprise to anyone familiar with the department's relationship to Occupy Wall Street's Constitutionally-protected activities,” the statement read. “Some of us personally witnessed police officers beating demonstrators without cause, and photographic and video evidence points to further unprovoked assaults by NYPD officers, both in Zuccotti Park and in the march which followed.” Occupy Long Beach Goes to Signal Hill Occupy Long Beach erected tents, starting at 6 p.m. March 20, in front of and in support of Rachel New’s home on the 2,000 block of Freeman Avenue in Signal Hill. New and her family—two young daughters, disabled mother, a disabled aunt, and brothers— who are being threatened with eviction from her home in Signal Hill despite trying for more than a year to negotiate a loan modification with her bank. She and her husband are now separated and he is unable to pay child support, so she is trying to maintain the household on only her income. She took a second job, and her brothers contribute what they can. This past year, she began to negotiate a mortgage modification. The loan was transferred to a number of banks, each one asking for the same documentation. The mortgage ended with Wells Fargo. Newcalled the bank almost daily. On the morning of Sept. 28, 2011, Rachel was once more told the modification was “pending.” That afternoon she received notice that the modification was denied. The next day, the bank sold the property to itself for half of what Rachel owed. Occupy Analysis Noted scholar, author, activist Frances Fox Piven (Why Americans Don't Vote, Poor People's Movements, Breaking the Social Contract) made a guest appearance on Democracy Now!, March 19, and took time to analyze the Occupy Movement. “In the end, it may turn out that evicting the occupations was the precipitant of expanding the movement, because the movement’s agenda has broadened and they’re now experimenting with reoccupying foreclosed homes, for example, with ways of rallying to the defense of workers who are locked out or on strike,” she said. “And, with the spring, I think there’s going to be a lot of protest in the universities and the colleges... Everywhere I look, I hear about Occupy East Harlem, Occupy the South Bronx. I think Occupy has spread out. And this kind of mobilization, this kind of building outrage, confronts a financial steering mechanism in the American economy, which is very vulnerable... “Not only in the 1960s and in the Great Depression, but from the beginning of the American Republic, it has been these periodic risings of ordinary people that have humanized American society... “Without these movements, what happens is that the big corporations of America really flood, overflow democratic processes with propaganda and with their lobbying and with their campaign contributions. Democracy doesn’t work in the absence of protest movements. Protest movements are what give us that part of democracy that we have achieved. And I’m absolutely convinced that Occupy is the beginning of another massive protest movement. Protest movements have a long life—10, 15 years—and they are what we have to rely on to take our country back.” LOCAL OCCUPY ACTIONS Anti-Monsanto Action! On March 16, supporters of organic crops met together in order to protest the Monsanto Corp. Members of Occupy Los Angeles, Occupy Food, Occupy Moorpark and Occupy 805 collaborated together in order to promote the event, which garnished attention from residents of the town as they drove by. Shining a light of exposure on the greedy corporate giant Monsanto, these protesters stood out in their community and braved the chilly weather, standing vigil to proliferate knowledge. Bank Action March Occupy Los Angeles is planning a Bank Action assemble, from 3 to 6 p.m. March 23, at Pershing Square for a march into the Financial District, then back for committee and general assembly meetings. Venue: Pershing Square Location: 532 S. Olive St. Los Angeles Occupy Outreaches to Race for Cure Occupy Los Angeles is planning to do outreach for Race for the Cure, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 24, at Dodger Stadium. Organizers promise not to disrupt, but rather, address Healthcare issues and thank them for backing off the Planned Parenthood cuts and for continuing to help with cancer screenings. Venue: Dodger Stadium Location: 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles National Doctor’s Day Rally Occupy Los Angeles plans to rally on March 30, National Doctors’ Day, from 3 to 6, in front of Blue Shield. Venue: Blue Shield Location: 801 S. Figueroa St. #5, Los Angeles. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:49:26 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=873&Itemid=129 ARTS Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) March 17 Femme Fatale Gallery Azul presents Femme Fatale, from 7 to 11 p.m. March 17, at Flazh! Alley Art Studio in San Pedro. This is an adults only exhibit. Femme Fatale (deadly woman) has many ways of seducing you and breaking you, come find out how. Venue: Flazh! Alley Art Studio Location: 1113 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro March 17 Craftsmen’s Spring Arts and Craft Faire The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild presents its 13th Annual Craftsmen’s Spring Arts and Crafts Faire, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17, at the Ken Miller Recreation Center in Torrance. For more than 42 years the guild has helped support local high school students with scholarships. The event will include drawings, food, crafts and art. Admission is free. Details: (310) 376-7488; www.TorranceCA.gov Venue: Ken Miller Recreation Center Location: 3341 Torrance Blvd., Torrance. April 1 Nature’s Treasures The South Bay Lapidary Mineral Society presents Nature’s Treasures, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Free admission. Details: (310) 533-4931; www.palos verdes.com/sblap Venue: Torrance Cultural Arts Center Location: 3300 Civic Center Drive, Torrance April 3 Monet and His Peers The Torrance Cultural Services division presents Artful Days: Monet and His Peers — Following Manet, from 12 to 1 p.m. April 3, at the George Nakano Theatre in Torrance. Follow the journey to Monet, Pissarro and others as this lecture series continues from Manet and the Realists. Free admission. Details: (310) 618-2326 Venue: George Nakano Theatre Location: 3300 Civic Center Drive, Torrance April 1 Long Beach Bike for Art: Scavenger Hunt Don’t just “fool around” hop on your bike and join the Long Beach Bike for Art, the Bike Scavenger Hunt, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 1, starting at the Museum of Latin American Art. After leaving MOLAA with your first “clue” you’ll have a great time cruising through Long Beach on your bike and discovering the public art installations at the Art Stops while you help keep great art alive in Downtown Long Beach. There’s a 12 Art Stop “hunt” just for adults and a special 4 Art Stop “hunt” for families, with art activities for the kids at each stop. After completing the Scavenger Hunt, riders will return to the Sculpture Garden at the MOLAA for an “after” party that will include a disc jockey, an awards ceremony for the best costume and best decorated bike, an announcement of the raffle prize winners (raffle prizes will include gift certificates to local restaurants, coffee houses, bike shops and one adult and one child’s bike, among other items), post-ride activities for the kids and a concert by the band La Santa Cecilia. In addition to Face Painting, Bike and Bike Helmet Decorating Stations and an Art Workshop, post “hunt” kid’s activities will also be provided by the City of Long Beach’s Safe Routes to School program and will include a “Smoothie Bike” drink station for kids, a bicycle safety rodeo with, “Mr. Stop Sign”, and other fun and informative activities for kids and their families. All monies raised by the first annual Bike for Art Scavenger Hunt will support the exhibition program at The Collaborative as it continues to contribute to the Downtown Long Beach art scene with high quality exhibitions that showcase the work of emerging artists. Cost is $35 for adult riders, $20 for student riders and children 5 to 10 years old participate free. The party is $20. Details: (562) 437-1689; www.artslb.org/collaborative Venue: Museum of Latin American Art Location: 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach April 6 Candor Experience Candor: In honor of Mike Kelley,, through April 6, at the Long Beach City College Art Gallery. Noëllie Roussel will conduct a lecture on Mike Kelley, from 7 to 8 p.m. April 5. Details: (562) 938-4815 Venue: Long beach City College Art Gallery Location: 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach April 21 Recent Paintings See Maggie Tenneson Recent Paintings, through April 21 at TransVagrant @ Warschaw Gallery in San Pedro Venue: TransVagrant @ Warschaw Gallery Location: 600 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:43:51 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=871&Itemid=129 THEATER FILM Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) March 17 Scalawag Workshops for Scalawag, Grand Vision’s newest project for all interested teens (ages 13 through 18), are offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 17 and 18 at the Grand Annex. Scalawag is an affordable summer youth musical program, co-produced with a team of local parents and educators. Scalawag offers in-depth professional instruction in vocals, drama, and dance and culminates in a performance at the Warner Grand Theatre. Auditions for Oklahoma! take place 27 and 28. Details: (310) 833-4813; www.grandvision.org March 21 Next Stop, Greenwich Village Next Stop, Greenwich Village will feature a Q-and-A with writer and director Paul Mazursky, at 7:30 March 21, at the Skirball in Los Angeles. In the film, Lenny Baker stars as an aspiring young actor who moves out of his parents’ Brooklyn home to seek a career in theater. General admission is $10. Details: (877) 722-4849; www.skirball.org Venue: Skirball Cultural Center Location: 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles March 22 Marriage is Murder Marriage is Murder plays Wednesdays and Thursdays through March 22, at Little Fish Theatre. In Marriage is Murder mystery writers Paul and Polly Butler are divorced, but a chance to turn their joint creation, Miss Charlie, into a movie forces them to work together again. Details: (310) 512-6030 Venue: Little Fish Theatre Location: 777 Centre St., San Pedro March 25 The Love List The Love List plays Fridays and Saturdays through April 5 at Little Fish Theatre. In The Love List Leon and Bill celebrate a 15th birthday by filling out a gypsy matchmaker’s wish list for the perfect woman. When the longed-for lady walks through the door, both of their lives are turned upside down and they quickly learn that their list could use a few revisions. Details: (310) 512-6030 Venue: Little Fish Theatre Location: 777 Centre St., San Pedro April 1 Gathering for the Grand Come to the 4th annual Gathering for the Grand, starting at 5:30 p.m. April 1, at the Palos Verdes Golf Club. Proceeds support concerts, films and events at the Warner Grand Theatre and the Grand Annex and its education programs. Tickets are $150. Details: (310) 833-4813; grandvision.org Venue: Palos Verdes Golf Club Location: 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates April 3 Blume in Love In Blume in Love, George Segal stars as Stephen Blume, a lawyer who wrecks his marriage. The film is featured at 8 p.m. April 3, at the Skirball in Los Angeles. General admission is $6. Details: (877) 722-4849; www.skirball.org Venue: Skirball Cultural Center Location: 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles April 6 Searching for Elliot Smith Long Beach Cinematheque is proud to present an encore screening of the documentary Searching for Elliot Smith, with an in-person Q-and-A following the film with director Gil Reyes, starting at 10 p.m. April 6, at the Art Theatre of Long Beach. Elliott Smith’s intensely intimate songs helped popularize lo-fi, indie-rock: A traditionally underground genre until Smith’s mainstream effort “Miss Misery” took Hollywood by surprise. But even after an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, he managed to fly mostly under the radar. And Smith wanted it that way. After his suicide in 2003, Smith’s peers avoided the media. Granting very few print interviews and NO on-camera interviews. Until now. From his high school days as a National Merit Scholar, to his early work in the Portland rock band, ‘Heatmiser’, to critical acclaim… to his mysterious death at the age of 34. We learn the dark motivations behind a musical genius. And discover how psychic pain can also produce timeless art. Tickets are $11. Details: http://tinyurl.com/searchingforelliotsmith Venue: Art Theatre Long Beach Location: 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach June 8 QFilm Festival Filmmakers are invited to submit their features or short films for the Long Beach QFilm Festival 2012, through June 8, at www.withoutabox.com. The Long Beach QFilm Festival 2012, which takes place Sept. 14 through 16, at The Center Long Beach and the Art Theatre in Long Beach presents narrative features, documentaries and short films that embody the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Jury awards will be given to worthy films in several categories. New QFilm Festival sponsor Greenhouse Studios will be awarding a Best Feature Film prize package valued at more than $10,000 that will include free use of an Offline Edit Suite for four weeks, 16 hours of free HD color correction and a graphics package. The Burbank-based Greenhouse Studios will also award a Best Short Film prize package valued at almost $5,000 and including free use of an Offline Edit Suite for two weeks, 4 hours of free HD color correction and a graphics package. The full festival line up of films as well as passes and tickets for purchase will be available beginning in August through the QFilm Festival page at www.qfilmslongbeach.com. All net proceeds from the festival will benefit The Center Long Beach and its important community outreach programs. Details: (562) 438-0710; www.qfilmslongbeach.com Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:03:14 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=869&Itemid=129 Adult Student Call for Political, Community Support By Zamná Ávila, Assistant Editor Sixty-year-old Wilmington resident, Michael Hunter, used to be a truck driver. But since he was laid off of work some time ago, he has decided that he now wants to fix trucks, instead of driving them. That desire may not come to fruition if a proposal to the Los Angeles Unified School District to shutdown adult education in order to close a $557 million budget gap. The cuts would ultimately shut down 30 district facilities, including Harbor Occupational Center and Harbor Community Adult School, both in San Pedro. However, supporters aren’t giving up. Hunter is one of about 30 Harbor Occupational Center students that rallied March 8, at the office of 54th District Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal then walked to the corner of Sixth Street and Pacific Coast Highway in San Pedro calling for political and community support of adult education. “We need to keep this school open to educate young people so that they can get out and get a job,” said Hunter, who is studying diesel mechanics and welding. “In turn, that develops revenue, which will go to Sacramento, and they can spend money on our roads, bridges." Harbor Occupational Center serves about 3,714 students and employs about 60 part-time and full-time teachers and 30 classified staff members, all of whom stand to lose, where they to completely cut funds for adult education. Harbor Community Adult School serves about 7,772 students. On Feb. 14, the school board decided to delay the vote until March 13. Nationwide, state and local budget cuts have reduced workforces substantially, even as the private sector has been adding jobs continually for the past 23 months. From the highest levels in 2009 through the lowest levels in the first six months of 2011, job losses have totaled 137,860 in state governments and 570,711 in local governments, according to data from the Bureau of Labor statistics. Teachers make up a significant chunk of the latter, along with police and fire departments. So, what’s happening with LAUSD is part of a significant nationwide pattern. In his Feb. 15 proposal Brown, included a per pupil funding formula for schools that would give schools a base amount per student, assuming the tax initiative passes. He also included $500 million for school transportation, which had been cut out of the equation in December. Marisol Barajas, field representative for Lowenthal, said the assemblywoman is a huge supporter of adult. “She’s been teaching adult education herself, so she knows how important to the families and the community; skill centers are very vital to the economy,” Barajas said. “It goes back to the difficult deficit budget that the LAUSD is dealing with." Barajas said that people in Lowenthal’s office had prior notice of the rally, but that the assemblywoman was in Sacramento. “She wanted her message to be heard in regards of the importance of adult education and how it is vital to our economy and our community,” said Barajas, who applauded the students’ demonstration. “It’s vital. Their voices are being heard and it’s very important that they continue to voice their opinion and let the voices be heard." Students are expected continue demonstrations calling for support for adult education, including rallies at the local office of Councilman Joe Buscaino and at the LAUSD board meetings within the days and weeks that follow. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:09:50 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=866&Itemid=129 ANNOUNCEMENTS Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) Feb. 28 Upcoming NWSPNC Meetings The plans of the Sanitation District's Clearwater Project for a new wastewater outfall line through San Pedro will be discussed at the joint NWSPNC Planning Land Use Committee and Port Committee meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28, at the San Pedro City Hall, 638 S. Beacon, Room 462, in San Pedro. The Community Vision (Issues) Committee meets at 5 p.m. March 6, in Room 452 of the San Pedro City Hall. The next board and stakeholder meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. March 12 at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave., in San Pedro. Teen Dating Violence Awareness The Youth Services Network kickoffs its 2012 bimonthly meetings from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28, at the Miller Family Health Education Center. February is 'Teen Dating Violence Awareness' month, so this month's meeting will focus on 'Teen Dating Violence 101', a brief training on how to identify and understand if your youth clients might be in an unhealthy relationship - and what you can do about it. Giovanna Martinez of Women's Shelter of Long Beach will be leading the session, and will be sharing resources from this month's "Teen Dating Violence Conference" in Los Angeles. Details: (310) 562-6665, (562) 570-7987 Venue: Miller Family Health Education Center Location: 3820 Cherry Ave., Long Beach Feb. 29 The People's State of the City Participate in the first ever People's State of the City, reflecting the realities and voices of Long Beach residents, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at Antioch Church in Long Beach. Child watch, and Spanish and Khmer translation will be available. Details: (562) 396-4552 Venue: Antioch Church Location: 1535 Gundry Ave., Long Beach March 6 Billboards The Long Beach City Council will vote on whether to amend its billboard ordinance at 5 p.m. during its March 6 meeting, in City Hall. Venue: City Hall Location: 333 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach Upcoming Workshops Learn how to start or expand you business and discover how computerized accounting can help, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 6, at 1851 N. Gaffey St., in San Pedro. Also, learn how to manage your cash flow, invoices and bills, in a few easy steps on the computer, then find what free and low cost programs are available for accounting, from 4 to 6 p.m. March 20, at 1400 W. 240 St. in Harbor City. Details: mcscareergroup.com March 7 AOC7 General Meeting Armando Vazquez-Ramos, field deputy for Councilman Patrick O’Donnell, and Emily be the guest speakers at the AOC7 neighborhood group general meeting, from 7 to 8 p.m. March 7, at Choices Café in Long Beach. Venue: Choices Café Location: 1601 E. 10th St., Long Beach March 17 AOC7 Community Cleanup AOC7 is hosting a community clean up, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 17, in the area bordered by10th Street, Anaheim Boulevard, Orange Avenue and Walnut Street in Long Beach. Groups will meet at Choices Café. The Neighborhood Resource center will provide us with all the tools necessary to get the job done. The city also provides a 20-foot dumpster that will be placed near Orange and Anaheim. Details: (562) 225-4294, (562) 400-2891 Venue: Choices Cafe Location: 1601 E. 10th St., Long Beach March 18 Cut-A-Thon The second annual Cut-A-Thon to benefit children in need and provide scholarships for high school seniors pursuing the arts, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Arcade Building in San Pedro. Details: www.CLAforChildren.org. Venue: Arcade Building Location: 479 W. 6th St., Suite 102, San Pedro Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:16:04 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=865&Itemid=129 Retired Industry Expert Joins Rancho LPG Fight By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) Although now retired, Connie Rutter spent more than three decades working in the oil industry — three years as a chemist, 11 as an environmental manager and director, and 20 years running her own consulting business, working for companies like ARCO, Shell, Valero, as well as smaller refineries, and pipeline and storage companies. That expert, insider background makes her the perfect citizen advocate to advance the community’s effort to shut the dangerous Rancho LPG tank facility on North Gaffey. But Janet Gunter, who's been fighting to shut down the facility for a decade now, had no idea about Rutter's professional background when she first approached her. “I actually was in a conversation with Monsignor Breenan at Holy Trinity and he recommended Connie, because she's head of their Peace and Justice Committee,” Gunter said. That was around last Thanksgiving. “I called her and she was really reticent at first. She sounded very skeptical of what I was saying to her, which was basically how dangerous these tanks were." Rutter remembers Janet calling her. “I think in desperation,” Rutter recalled. “She was trying to find allies." She's a kindly sort. “So when she came to me, I sort of, you know, didn't fluff her off, but I'm thinking, 'Oh come on, they have to have—I know all the hoops they have to jump through in order to get sited,'” Rutter continued. “But then, when I started to get into it and I saw some documentation..." You can literally hear Rutter rolling her eyes. The first example she cites is the impound basin, a supposed safety measure to trap escaping liquid gases in case of any leak or rupture. There's just one problem: “This stuff, as soon as it hits air, it's going to vaporize, and it's going to look for a source of ignition and the source of ignition is right on site,” she said. The basin might make sense for gasoline, which boils at over 75 degrees Fahrenheit under normal atmospheric pressure. “But gasoline, although dangerously volatile and flammable can’t compare to butane,” Rutter said, in a letter she subsequently wrote to the EPA, explaining the situation. Butane boils at 31 F and propane boils at minus 44 F. “The propane or butane would not stay as liquids, but would vaporize almost instantly, so a holding basin provides no safety!” Rutter wrote to the EPA. “ Both gases are heavier than air, and so would tend to flow rather than rise, forming a layer of flammable gas close to the ground until it met a source of ignition, and would then explode. There are sources of ignition on the site in the compressors, which are fueled by natural gas, in the heater, and in the flare. Besides, a passing car could also serve as an ignition source, as well as an electric spark, even from static electricity. So, a leak large enough to flow into the holding basin will almost surely become an explosion." And yet, the existence of a containment basin large enough to hold one tankful of liquid was one of the key factors that allowed the facility to be approved in the 1970s. “How could these people be so irrational?” Rutter asked. The overall ignorance of how propane and butane act was appalling and obvious to Rutter. Another example Rutter cited was when a representative of Petrolane, the original owner and builder, was asked, “what would happen if at the dock area, if some of this stuff escaped, and he says to them, 'Well, it would just cause the sea water to boil.'”Except, Rutter added, “If anybody is smoking, they're going to have a huge fireball.” Or, again, if there's a compressor, or even the slightest spark." Another flawed safety factor Rutter focused on was facility's fire response system. It was, she explained, a “water deluge system” and “All hydrocarbons float on water; so squirting water on them, is just going to slow the water down a little bit, it's going to move it around, and probably move it out into the public area. So all this stuff that is painted as a protection is just nil.” Again, with gasoline it would be different. “When I worked in refineries, we had tank overfills, we would put this foam on it, we had another tank implode, because of fires within the tank, so those things happen,” Rutter said. But because butane and propane would both be gases once released, the foam system would be useless as well. Is this part of what she meant when she called the facility inherently dangerous? “Yes,” she replied. In the short time she's been involved, Rutter has written two significant letters: one to City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and the other to EPA Administrator Mary Wesling. “My own experience is with regulators,” Rutter explained. “And I know that once a regulator gets a piece of paper that says that there's a problem, they want to get another piece of paper that says that's not a problem. They put it in their file and they don't have to act. They can forget about it." Her letters were written specifically to keep those files open. But that's just the first step as she's beginning the process of getting deeply familiar with the facility and its history. The day of our second interview, she had just uncovered another significant violation. According to the American Petroleum Institute Standard 2510 for LPG Design and Construction (8th Edition), section 11.3.1.1 states that the distance between the LPG tank and neighboring property “shall be 200 ft.” But the actual distances fall short by 25 feet in one direction, 35 feet in another, and by 105 feet in a third. Stepping back from specifics, Rutter described the general problems involved. “Aside from the innate lack of safety of that sort of facility, the problems come from the whole concept of 'grandfathering,’” she began. “The site is there. You can pass laws to keep that from happening again, but you can't really get rid of problem that's there." Which is puzzling, to put it mildly. “Grandfathering doesn't make sense,” she said. “If such and such a situation is dangerous and should not happen, then the facilities that are already built should have to meet that standard." Beyond that, Rutter said, “The other [overall] problem is that each regulatory agency—the contributing parts of the problem—each agency sees things only within their own purview." They can't look at the situation holistically to see if there's an actual danger to the public—which is the basic purpose of their regulations in the first plan—“until an accident happens and then they can change how they look at it." “There's got to be some recourse, it seems to me, when something like this happens, when you find something has slipped through the cracks and now a whole community is exposed,” she said. The system is clearly not set up to respond to its past and ongoing mistakes. And that's what local activists are trying to change. The Rancho LPG facility — dangerous as it may be — is just one example of a pervasive flaw in the American regulatory system for protecting public health and safety. And Connie Rutter is just getting started on her work that could, in its own small way, help start to change all that. "Talk about a gift from God,” Gunter said. “I think she really is, in multiple ways, and I think she can be of immense help." Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:54:32 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=863&Itemid=129 Adult Ed Gets Reprieve LAUSD Takes Up Vote Again March 13 By Zamná Ávila, Assistant Editor While President Barack Obama broadly stressed the importance of education and workforce retraining in his State of the Union address, students, teachers, parents and advocates have been mobilizing to prevent Los Angeles Unified School District from making a half billion dollars in cuts at the expense of adult education. Nationwide, state and local budget cuts have reduced workforces substantially, even as the private sector has been adding jobs continually for the past 23 months. From the highest levels in 2009 through the lowest levels in the first six months of 2011, job losses have totaled 137,860 in state governments and 570,711 in local governments, according to data from the Bureau of Labor statistics. Teachers make up a significant chunk of the latter, along with police and fire departments. So what’s happening with LAUSD is part of a significant nationwide pattern. The school board first broached the subject in December 2011, when it appeared as a budget proposal at a board meeting. Adult education supporters have been protesting the proposals since. On Feb. 14, the school board decided to delay the vote until March 13. The cuts, which total $557 million would ultimately shutdown 30 district facilities, including Harbor Occupational Center. However, supporters aren’t planning to let up the pressure anytime soon. Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) “This is not the final vote,” said Trudy Hawkins, principal of Harbor Occupational Center in San Pedro. “We still need to keep the word out. we still need people saying we need adult education." Harbor Occupational Center serves about 7,772 students and employs about 60 part-time and full-time teachers and 30 classified staff members, all of whom stand to lose, where they to completely cut funds for adult education. Random Lengths News made an effort to contact LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy, but the district’s spokeswoman Susan Cox said he was not commenting on the matter. Cox did provide the paper with a general statement that read:“LAUSD has to date been confronted with annual deficits of at least $400 million, including a shortfall of at least $543 million for the 2012-13 school year,” The statement from Deasy read. “As a whole, funding to the District from Sacramento has been reduced by an estimated $2.5 billion over the past five years. “Having made systematic and significant cuts in programs and personnel over that period—and with no additional revenues forthcoming—I, and the Los Angeles Board of Education, are left with no choice but to seriously consider massive reductions in critical areas, including arts programs for elementary school students, adult education, and early childhood education. We must do all that we can to preserve K-12 class size at acceptable levels for next year." Minimizing Impacts on K-12? But cutting adult education would still have a negative impact on K through 12 students, Hawkins argued. “If we didn’t have adult ed. and if parents were not trained, how would they feed the children?” she asked, rhetorically. “There is no way, if they don’t get a job, that they are going to be able to take care of the children. So, adult ed. is very, very important." The board requested that Superintendent John Deasy return on March 8 with alternatives that save jobs and prevent program cuts, instructing him to work with the state, his staff and unions to develop a proposal. Deasy must prepare a revenue-generating parcel tax referendum to be voted on June or November ballots, or the March 2013 ballot. The superintendent also was allowed to prepare layoff notices for non-tenured early education teachers and support staff, a precautionary process required in case of cuts. Cuts could impact about 5,000 employees, including teachers and classified personnel, who could receive pink slips. For the fourth consecutive year, the board has approved the dismissal of thousands of teachers in its effort to balance the district’s budget. “Of all of LAUSD’s programs, adult education gives the highest return on the lowest investment,” Hawkins said. “Adult ed. is very, very efficient. It is only 2 percent of the LAUSD budget. Adult ed. has 2.8 percent of the district’s schools and centers, yet adult ed. accounts for 27 percent of the district’s student enrollment. “Adult ed.is awarded grants and earns federal funding. In 2010, 11 were for a budget of $170 million. Adult ed. returned over $26 million to the LAUSD general fund.” About 350,000 adult education students would be affected throughout the district. Early education and arts programs also are in danger. The board was considering banking on $557 million proposed state and local revenue initiatives, making $194 million cuts and using $362 million in new revenue sources, or make $557 million in cuts. This past December, Gov. Jerry Brown announced $134.5 million cuts in programs for adult education. In reality, the cuts would total $269 million because the state provides matching funds to the district. In the past three years the district has cut about $2 billion and is facing about a $500 million deficit. More than 3,000 students signed a letter asking for district’s support in maintaining adult education, many of whom joined educators on Feb. 14 to demonstrate against the proposal at the board meeting. Improving Lives Marco Vásquez, a 31-year-old student at Harbor Occupational Center is one of those students. He said that he arrived to the United States from Nayarit, Mexico 11 years ago, was working two jobs and had no direction. “As soon as I got into Harbor Occupational Center, finally I had direction,” said Vásquez, waving his ASE certification. “All the programs here honestly work and they deliver. I have proof right here; I have my certificate." Not only has his experience at the center made it possible to build a secure financial future for him and his family, there also have been secondary effects. “I grew as a person,” he said. “My self-esteem went up, I never struggle for money anymore and I can see that if they shut down the classes, it’s going to make a huge impact in other people,” he said. So far, he’s attained certificates in brakes, electrical, engine performance and engine repair. He needs to complete five more certifications for automotive technology. In an economic environment as tough as this one, skills in automotive technology is still in high demand. “What it means is that the program works,” he said. “If it works for me, it can work for anybody." And yet, for others like diesel technology and welding student Frank Murillo, who has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attending Harbor Occupational Center is a tradition. The 20-year-old student went to the center soon after graduating from high school. His disability makes it hard for him to concentrate and working with hands offered an attractive alternative. He said that every time he completes a course he is motivated to move forward. “I wanted to come here because my family came to this school,” said Murillo, who has been a student at the school for the past year. “When I grow old, I want my kids to come here… If (they) close it down, it’s going to be terrifying because I really like this job and its been helping me and in the future it’s going to get me a good job. For other students such as Francisco Federico, adult education offers second chances. He’s only been at the center for six months but in that time he’s attained a certificate in technology 1 and 2, and a forklift certification. “My goal is to try to get a job because I came from the streets,” Federico, 35, said. “I had no direction. I was lost in gangs and drugs. Now that I’ve come here to Harbor Occupational Center, I see a hope in trying to change my life and trying to get a job so I can be a productive member of society.” Hope is a common theme said Lisa Andrade, Disability Services advisor. “You can come here to make your life different and to get a job and to be self-sufficient in society,” Andrade said. “And, that is pretty much what we’ve provided for the community for the last 42 years." That certainly is the case for María Peña, who is legally blind. “For me this school is important because they give us the opportunity to be an independent person and find a job,” said Peña, a 48-year-old business administration student. “My life changed since I started coming to this school. It was completely down. And, to know I had a better future and don’t need to depend on another person, changes your life." The Economic Impact on the City Harbor Occupational Center’s Assistant Principal Victor Abadia said the school understands that there needs to be cuts, but adult education students and educators would prefer that those cuts be made proportionally. Referencing a finding from the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and a letter from State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, Abadia noted the greater economic impacts considering that the Los Angeles has the highest rate of under-educated working adults of any metropolitan area in the country, that more than one-third of the district’s students are in the adult division programs and less than 2 percent of the budget goes toward the cost of those programs, and that cutting adult education would impact the health and jail system detrimentally to individuals and their families. “Let’s say we use 300,000 students that we serve and we look at the return on investment,” Abadia said. “Assume a job of $10 an hour, that’s a little more than 20,000 a year. When we tax the individual that comes to about $1,800 a year. And, since there are provisions to get some of that money into education at a rate 37.9 percent, that represents about $700 that would not get into education. “If we assume an attrition of 60 percent, we end up with about $2 million that will be lost. That represents $224 million in state revenue and that represents about $85 million that will be lost in education." Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:55:48 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=861&Itemid=129 NEWS Councilman Calls for Skateboarding Ordinance Los Angeles — On Feb. 10, Councilman Joe Buscaino introduced a motion to instruct the city attorney to work with the Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles Police Department to draft an ordinance to prohibit unsafe skateboarding. The motion was in response to the Jan. 28 fatal injury of a 15-year-old skateboarder who was dangerously engaging in “bombing,” a practice whereby skateboarders sail down city streets at excessive speeds, sometimes obstructing traffic and failing to yield at stop signs. Another young person was killed this past November from a similar accident. This activity is fairly popular in San Pedro because of its steep hills and terrain. With one kick, skateboarders are able to travel up to a couple of miles without peddling and have been seen traveling upwards of 40 miles per hour. Any activity carried out at this speed, without proper protection, is extremely dangerous. The ordinance would require skateboarders to follow the same rules of the road that bicyclists do, as well as wear a helmet while operating a skate board on city streets. "I don't want to ban skateboarding in the San Pedro streets," said Buscaino in a statement released by his office. "We are raising awareness on not "bombing" the streets… We want to prevent another tragic death in our streets” A video of the motion is at http://youtube/UyeA83vlrxE POLA Started 2012 with Strong Container Volumes San Pedro — The Port of Los Angeles recently released its January 2012 cargo volumes. The total number of 20-foot equivalent containers increased 5.78 percent compared to January 2011. The 698,715 20-foot equivalent containers is the highest total volume (imports, exports and empties) for January in POLA history. Loaded imports increased 5.25 percent compared to this past January 2011 while exports increased 5.9 percent. The numbers marked the best January in the Port’s history with respect to exports and the total number of loaded imports and exports combined (624,821 20-foot equivalent containers). Some of the increase in January volumes can be attributed to the increased movement of cargo prior to the January 23 Chinese New Year, which results in a1- to 2-week holiday closure of many facilities in China. Details: www.portoflosangeles.org/maritime/stats.asp Armed Robbery Suspect Sought The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a robbery suspect wanted in connection with three armed robberies to businesses occurring in the southeast area of Long Beach since on Feb. 2. In each of the incidents the suspect entered a business and demanded cash, while showing a handgun. Once he got the cash, he exited the business and fled on a bicycle. It appears that the suspect was acting alone, and no one was injured. The suspect is a white male between 20 to 30 years old, with light brown or dirty blonde hair and standing 5-feet-10-inches to 6-feet-3-inches tall with an athletic build. The robberies took place at: 10:34 p.m. Feb. 2 200 Block of Orange Avenue Convenience Store 11:04 p.m. Feb. 2 3100 Block of Broadway Food Establishment 9:28 a.m. Feb. 3 400 Block of Obispo Avenue Food Establishment Business owners and employees are urged to keep windows of the business clear of advertising material and decorations, which can screen an intruder from outside view, avoid working alone and have a phone that is easily accessible inside the business. Calling 9-1-1 from a land-line phone and leaving it off the hook summons the police to your location. Excess cash should be transferred from the cash register frequently, and cash registers should be emptied every night. Surveillance cameras should be maintained and camera lenses cleaned routinely-checking footage regularly can ensure equipment is working properly. Train employees on how to retrieve video footage, the sooner detectives are able to obtain footage, the better chance they have of apprehending a suspect. Parking areas around business should be well-lit and covered by video surveillance that is able to record in color and able to show numbers clearly, such as those on license plates. Digital systems are very effective. Anyone who may have any information regarding these crimes is urged to call (562) 570-5537 or anonymously at www.tipsoft.com. Murder At about 6:40 p.m. on Feb. 1, Long Beach Police responded to a "shots fired" call in the 200 block of east Arbor Street that resulted in the death of 60-year-old Marvin Williams of Long Beach. The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the torso and was immediately transported to a local hospital. Shortly after arriving, he was pronounced dead. Apparently the victim was confronted by someone prior to the shooting; however, the motive is unclear and the investigation remains ongoing. No suspect information is available at this time and detectives are hoping someone will come forward with information. Anyone who may have any information regarding these crimes is urged to call (562) 570-7244 or anonymously at www.tipsoft.com. California Seafood Corp. to Pay $1 Million For False Labeling LOS ANGELES – Seafood Solutions Inc., a Torrance-based corporation, was sentenced today to pay $1 million in fines and community service payments for its role in the false labeling of frozen fish fillets. The corporation was fined $700,000 and ordered to make a community service donation of $300,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The money is to be used to fund projects related to methodologies, databases and other research into the identification of marine organisms. In addition, the company was sentenced to three years of probation, was ordered to forfeit all remaining inventory of the falsely labeled fish and to develop and implement a corporate compliance plan. The sentence stemmed from the conviction of Seafood Solutions on July 25, 2011, on a single count of trafficking in fish knowing that the fish had been transported and sold in violation of the U.S. Lacey Act. Specifically, the fish was Pangasius hypophthalmus, a species in the catfish family that were misleadingly labeled as “Paradise Grouper” and “Falcon Baie Grouper.” Seafood Solutions was one of three defendants named in the same charging document. Co-defendants Chau-Shing (Duke) Lin, and Christopher Ragone also entered guilty pleas on July 25, 2011, according to plea agreements. Duke Lin, 64, of Rancho Palos Verdes, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in fish when in the exercise of due care he should have known that the fish had been transported and sold in violation of the Lacey Act. Duke Lin also pleaded guilty to one count of misbranding food. Christopher Ragone, 50, of Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to two counts of misbranding food. According to the plea agreements, in about June 2004, Seafood Solutions began to sell a fish it declared to customs as “ponga.” The fish being imported as ponga was Pangasius hypophthalmus, a species in the catfish family. The fish was then sold under the brand names, and in boxes labeled in part as, “Paradise Grouper” and “Falcon Baie Grouper.” Between July 2005 and February 2006, a wholesale distributor that had purchased this product returned approximately $411,194 worth of the product labeled as “Paradise Grouper” and “ponga” or “Falcon Baie Grouper” and “ponga” because the wholesale distributor’s customer mistakenly believed that the fish product was Grouper. Seafood Solutions agreed to be invoiced for and received the returned product, knowing that it had been inaccurately labeled. Defendants Lin, Ragone and Seafood Solutions knowingly again sold and transported the fish in interstate commerce even after its return from the customer, knowing that it was misleadingly labeled. From February 2006 to April 2006, Defendant Ragone sold approximately $2 million worth of Pangasius fillets knowing that the product bore the “Paradise Grouper” and “ponga” labels and was thus misleadingly labeled. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:47:38 +0100 http://www.randomlengthsnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=860&Itemid=129 FAMILY/COMMUNITY Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php) Tweet (http://twitter.com/share) Feb. 17 The Electric Jesus Meet Jonathan Talat Phillips, the author of The Electric Jesus: The Healing Journey of a Contemporary Gnostic, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gatsby Books in Long Beach. Jonathan co-founded the cutting edge web-magazine Reality Sandwich and social network for conscious collaboration Evolver.net, coordinating the Evolver Spores program with more than 40 regional chapters. Jonathan is an initiate of the International Sufi Order, founder of the NYC Gnostics, and creator of “The Ayahuasca Monologues: Tales of the Spirit Vine.” He is a Reiki Master and certified in Bioenergetic Therapy from the Connecticut Healing Institute. He has a practice in NYC and does Skype sessions.When Phillips experienced a devastating loss as a countercultural media activist, he unwittingly embarked on a mystical journey marked by underground ayahuasca ceremonies, kundalini awakenings, prankster spirit guides, shapeshifting extraterrestrials at the Burning Man festival, and miraculous energy healings that reshaped his skeptical worldview.In The Electric Jesus, Phillips chronicles the rise of an international movement that is trailblazing visionary ways to address our current planetary crisis through raised consciousness. Phillips delves into his own Christian background, discovering the lost rites of the mystery schools and their secret “electric” messages concerning personal transformation and a potential evolutionary shift for our world. The night will include a book signing, chakra activation, a reading, a community discussion about Shift Long Beach, the overall Evolver Movement, and a rising consciousness culture flowering across the planet. Details: www.TalatHealing.com Venue: Gatsby Books Location:5535 E. Spring St., Long Beach Feb. 18 Rainbow Harbor Mardi Gras Carnevale 2012 Shoreline Village is hosting a great day of music, art and festivities, from 1 to 7 p.m. Feb. 18, at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach Young and old alike are welcomed to dress up and dance. A parade starts at 3 p.m. in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Participation is free. Details: http://tinyurl.com/paradeentryform Venue: Rainbow Harbor Location: 401-435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach Feb. 18 Scottish Festival Games The Queen Mary will celebrate its heritage during the 19th annual Scottish Festival and Games, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 and 19 in Long Beach, with activities aboard and ashore. The 2-day extravaganza features sheep herding demonstrations, athletics and dancing competitions, dart tournament, pipe band, reenactments, firing demonstrations, Scotch whiskey tasting, authentic foods and ales with concerts. Details: www.queenmaryscottish.com Venue: Queen Mary Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach Feb. 25 The Center Visits ONE Archives The Center is heading out of town for their first field trip, Feb. 25, to the ONE National Gay Lesbian Archives at USC. Guest will receive a one-hour guided tour of the world's largest research library on LGBT history. In addition, senior members of the community will have the opportunity to document their own histories for inclusion in the Archive's collection. Space is extremely limited for this trip. Details: (562) 434-4455 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:39:58 +0100