Villaraigosa Launches City Smartphone App
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X863DyU5EBs]
LOS ANGELES – On April 1, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced the launch of the first Citywide 311 smartphone application, MyLA311.
The new city mobile application will allow Angelenos to submit 311 service requests, locate city resources and pay city bills through their smartphones. By taking advantage of a smartphone’s GPS and camera, the app promises to make reporting complaints and finding city services more accessible.
The citizen-centric design allows users to “Submit Service Requests” for the most popular city services, including pothole repair, graffiti removal, and bulky item pick up.
Harbor Currents: NEWS April 2, 2013
The Truth About Camelia La Tejana
By John Farrell, Contributing Theater Review Writer
Camelia la Tejana – Only The Truth, which the Long Beach Opera is presenting at the Terrace Theatre of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center March 30 is not so much a work in progress, as it is an art project that is continually changing.
Even the title isn’t quite sure: it was calledUnicamente la Verdadin Long Beach Opera’s mailing. It has had several titles since it was developed, given its Mexican premier two years ago. This is the U.S. premier (though it was originally work-shopped in the United States). That’s an indication of how new the subject matter is: a narcocorrida and a Mexican tabloid article come together to make a statement about what is and what isn’t true against a background of illegal aliens, drug trafficking and feminism in the current world of the Mexican-U.S. border.
Harbor Currents: NEWS March 29, 2013
Murder in Long Beach 
LONG BEACH — One man was killed and two other men injured after sustaining gunshot wounds, at about 9:15 p.m. March 28, on the 200 block of Hill Street in Long Beach, officials said.
Nineteen-year-old Sidney Wallace Jr. of Long Beach was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two men, one 37 years old and the other 49 years old, had non-threatening injuries and were treated at the local hospital.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Long Beach Police Department found that the men were standing in a parking lot when they were shot. The shooting, which may be gang-related, has not yielded any suspects and it is unclear whether the shooter(s) fled on foot or in vehicle.
Harbor Currents: ANNOUNCEMENTS March 28, 2013
March 29
Operation Easter Basket
Please drop off some baskets and goodies by 4:30 p.m. March 29 at Bay Shore Church in Long Beach.
Volunteers needed. Just show up. Goal is 1,600 baskets.
Operation Easter Basket seeks to bring joy and hope to children in desperate situations in Long Beach through gift-filled Easter Baskets containing items such as:
– small toys,
– school supplies,
– hygiene products, (toothbrushes, shampoo)
– essential clothing items, (socks, underwear)
– and some Easter candy.
Harbor Currents: FAMILY/COMMUNITY March 27, 2013
March 28
Cesar Chávez, The Man
El Camino College Compton Center will celebrate civil rights leader Cesar Chávez with a series of activities, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. March 28, in the Student Lounge.
The day’s festivities will include a produce exhibit with samples; music by “Mariachi Cachanilla de Mexicali” directed by Arturo Cortez; and a selection of Mexican cuisine for purchase. The celebratory event is free and open to the public.
The highlight of the Cesar Chávez Day Observance will be a performance entitled “Cesar Chávez, The Man” by Adolph Lopez.
Harbor Currents: ANNOUNCEMENTS March 27, 2013
March 28
LBPD Meets With Community
Join Cmdr. LeBaron and Comdr. Farfan during the East Division Community Meeting, starting at 7 p.m. March 28, at the Long Beach Police Academy’s Fireside Room.
Venue: LBPD Police Academy, Fireside Room
Location: 7290 E. Carson, Long Beach
April 16
Home Owners Meet with Counselors
LOS ANGELES –The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program and the HOPE NOW Alliance are bringing the nation’s largest mortgage servicers, along with several non-profit housing counseling organizations, to Los Angeles, from 1 to 8 p.m. April 16, at the Los Angeles Convention Center to work one-on-one with struggling homeowners in California.
LBPD Searches for Missing Man
The Long Beach Police Department is searching for an elderly male adult with a medical condition that may place him at risk and is asking for the public’s help in locating him.
Eighty-nine-year-old Long Beach resident Frank Joseph Kuborek left his home in the 700 block of Alamitos Avenue, somewhere between 10 p.m. March 25th and 8 a.m. March 26, when his wife discovered him missing. When he didn’t return home on his own, his family became concerned and contacted police at about 8:50 p.m. March 26.
The Music Scene in San Pedro
By B. Noel Barr, Music Writer Dude
There has always been a very active local music scene. Artists from very distinct and different lives found a musical life in San Pedro. Brenton Wood, Ambrosia, Minute Men and Mike Watt make their homeport Pedro.
On March 29, Dave Widow will be at Alvas Showroom with an all-star Line Up of session and touring talent. Dave Widow and The Line Up was nominated “Musical Group of the Year-2012” for the LA Music Awards.
James Gadson, who plays drums on this date, has been on more than 500 gold record sessions. Gadson has played with artists from Aretha Franklin to Justin Timberlake.
On bass is Reggie McBride. His pedigree in music is vast and deep as well, James Brown to Elton John to name just a few.
Then we have on keyboards and sax, the incredible Marty Grebb, who has performed with The Buckingham’s, Paul Butterfield and Bonnie Raitt.
Dave Widow has played with all these gentlemen in various formations touring with Buddy Miles and Bonnie Bramlett among other notables.
I asked Dave about why these people are playing on this date.
In a very humble tone; looking me in the eye, he simply said,
“They believe in me,” said Dave, simply, in a very humble tone; looking me in the eye.
Dave Widow and The Line Up is lighting up the blues charts around the country since its release late this past year. He was nominated into the top five of the International Blues Competition in Memphis for his 2012 release “Waiting for the World to End.”
Opening is the incredible Sean Lane playing an all-acoustic set of delta slide. He is one of the best slide players in the area. This is an older style of blues that preceded the Chicago blues sound. Lane has mastered this style guitar. He also is a very cool vocalist.
Alvas Music has been presenting first-class jazz shows as well as a variety of artists from different genres, from acoustic to electric, rock to bluegrass, — did I mention flamenco?
The 60-seat amphitheater-like room has an outstanding sound system. It is the perfect place to listen to music. Artists from around the world are calling Alvas to book dates. Listening to the great blues played in this room is an epic experience.
I am fortunate enough secure some dates at Alvas for some world-class blues that have grown in and around the Harbor. Our first show at Alvas is with Dave Widow and the Line Up. Dave Widow brings rhythm and blues inspired blues to San Pedro for one night only, with one special band.
This fantastic collection of professionals will bring it to Alvas Showroom on March 29. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment Listings: March 26, 2013
March 29
Last Friday Night Blues at Alvas
The Chicago blues and soul music of Dave Widow and The Line Up will be featured starting at 7:30 p.m. March 29 at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door.
Details: (800) 403-3447
Venue: Alvas Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
March 30
Ron Eschete & Howard Alden Duet
The Ron Eschete and Howard Alden Duet will be a Live DVD recording performance, starting at 8 p.m. March 30, at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.
Ron Escheté (pronounced ESH-tay) is the consummate master of the seven-string guitar. Whether he is playing bebop, ballads or blues he is a musically sophisticated guitarist who plays with grace and dignity. Howard Alden has been a Concord Jazz recording artist since the late ’80s where his prolific recorded output as leader, co-leader, and versatile sideman, has captured an artist of consistently astonishing virtuosity and originality.
Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door.
Details: (800) 403-3447
Venue: Alvas Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
April 2
For New Queens by New Queens
Celebrate Miss Kitty’s birthday, starting at 10 p.m. April 2, at Club Ripples in Long Beach.
Venue: Club Ripples
Location: 5101 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach
April 5
Harlow Gold Show
The Harlow Gold Show will be at Harvelle’s on at 10 p.m. April 5. The general admission will be $15 and premium front reserve seats are $30.
Details: (562) 239-3700; www.longbeach.harvelles.com
Venue: Harvelle’s Long Beach
Location: 201 E. Broadway St., Long Beach
Paul Gormley Trio
The Paul Gormley Trio will be performing at the Grand Annex at 8 p.m. April 5. The jazz band features three members with a bass, piano and drums. Tickets will be $20 in advance and $25 at the door. A table seat and a bar ticket will cost $30.
Details: (310) 833-4813; www.grandvision.org
Venue: Grand Annex Theatre
Location: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro
Jimmy Branly and Jimmy Haslip Project
The Jimmy Branly and Jimmy Haslip Project will be at Alva’s showroom on Apr. at 8 p.m. April 5. The band consists of four members altogether and combines the music of drums, bass, keyboard, sax and flute. Admission will be $20.
Details:(800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.com
Venue: Alva’s Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
April 6
Loretta McNair Trio
The Loretta McNair Trio will be performing from 2 to 5:30 p.m. April 6 at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles.
Details: (310) 732-1270; info@craftedportla.com
Venue: Port of Los Angeles
Location: 110 E. 22nd St., San Pedro
Toolhouse Engelheart and John York
Toolhouse Engleheart and John York will be performing at Alva’s Showroom on April 6, at 8 p.m. Toolhouse is a guitarist and York is a singer, composer and guitarist. Admission will be $20.
Details:(800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.com
Venue: Alva’s Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
April 7
Brett Hallam Holland
Brett Hallam Holland will be performing at Alva’s Showroom on April 7, at 4 p.m. Holland is an acoustic finger-style guitar player. Admission is $20.
Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.com,
Venue: Alva’s Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
April 10
Marymount Spring Recital
The Warner Grand will host the Marymount Spring Recital on April 10, at 7 p.m. The recital will feature music and dance of all styles. Marymount students, Marymount Jazz ensemble and Vox Choir will perform. This is a free event.
Details: (310) 548-2493; www.grandvision.org
Venue: Warner Grand Theatre
Location: 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro
April 13
Spock’s Beard CD Release
Alva’s Showroom will be hosting Spock’s Beard CD Release Concert on April 13, at 8 p.m. The band features five members utilizing vocals, guitar, keyboard, bass and drums. Tickets will cost $50 and will go on sale on April 8, at 12 p.m.
Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.com
Venue: Alva’s Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
April 14
Richard Smith and Julie Adams
Richard Smith and Julie Adams will be performing at Alva’s Showroom on April 14, at 8 p.m. Smith is a finger-style guitarist and Adams is a cellist. Admission will be $20.
Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.com
Venue: Alva’s Showroom
Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
Harbor Currents: ANNOUNCEMENTS March 26, 2013
March 27
Congress in Your Community
Community members are invited to the 8th District Community to Congress in Your Community, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27, at the 8th Council District Field Office in Long Beach.
Once per month, staff and caseworkers from Rep. Janice Hahn, 44th District, come into the community to meet with constituents. These one-on-one discussions cover topics of choice, to including assistance with problems with a federal agency, such as the Veterans Affairs, Social Security, IRS, Immigration issues, HUD, etc.
Another meeting is scheduled for April 24.
Details: (310) 831-1799
Venue: 8th Council District Field Office
Location: 5641 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach