Coastal SPNC Votes to Fight Defunding of Election
SAN PEDRO — On March 18, The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council moved, 12-0 with one abstention, to request that the City of Los Angeles issues no delays in the 2014 neighborhood council elections, that it fully funds the elections, that it restore the $50,000 annual budget, and that it cease and desist from further sweeping of neighborhood funds.
The City of Los Angeles is asking neighborhood councils to postpone their elections due to budget cuts and pay for their next elections at a cost of $7,300 per council
Neighborhood council members believe the city’s actions are in violation of Charter section 911 by cutting funds, sweeping annual excess funds and failure to fund neighborhood councils in a secure account one year in advance.
Harbor Currents: NEWS March 22, 2013
Harbor Currents: ANNOUNCEMENTS March 21, 2013
March 23
Dare the World to Save the Planet
On March 23, at 8:30 p.m., thousands of cities around the world will go dark for one hour during Earth Hour, World Wildlife Foundation’s annual campaign to raise awareness of the environmental challenges we all face, such as climate change.
Earth Hour is a simple idea that quickly turned into a global phenomenon. Hundreds of millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour on the same night, to focus on the one thing that unites us all-our planet.
Details: http://worldwildlife.org/earthhour
March 23
Spanish Conversation Group (planning)
Join a Spanish conversation group, at 1 p.m. March 23, at Building Healthy Communities in Long Beach. The initial meeting will be to get input from novice, intermediate, and fluent Spanish speakers, and to work together in planning future conversation groups for Time Exchange members.
Venue: Building Healthy Communities
Location: 920 Atlantic Ave., Suite 102, Long Beach
March 23
EqualityTV PSA
EqualityTV is offering the opportunity to have people participate in a video PSA, from 12 to 6 p.m. March 23, in Signal Hill.
Passover-Why is This Night Different
Column and Photo by
Lori Lynn Hirsch Stokoe
This year, early in the morning of March 25, my cousins and I will be rolling scores of matzoh balls in preparation for the several-course meal at nightfall — the start of the eight day celebration of Passover. The Passover dinner is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws, where chicken soup with matzoh balls is often a favorite course. These cherished “dumplings” are made from ground matzoh, eggs, and oil.
Stories of Dinah Washington, Queen of the Blues
By Melina Paris, Music Columnist
For fans of the Great American Songbook, the window to see I Wanna Be Loved at Leimert Park is fast closing.
I managed to catch a show in the middle of its 6-week run at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, where the music venue’s namesake performs the role of the legendary blues queen, Dinah Washington.
Camilia the Texan–From Corrido to Opera
By John Farrell, Theatre Columnist
Is Camelia la Tejana-Only the Truth an opera?
Well, technically, yes.
It has an innovative score by Gabriela Ortiz, which was scripted by her brother, Rubén Ortiz Torres.
So, of course it is an opera. The Long Beach Opera is presenting the United States premier of Camelia la Tejana at the Terrace Theatre of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center.
But it is also much more than an opera. Ortiz Torres is famous for his work in video, in photography and in installations, and he sees it as much more than just an opera.
Schipske Declares Candidacy for LB Mayor
Long Beach — Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske announced her campaign for Long Beach mayor March 21.
Schipske, who has served on the Long Beach City Council for the past seven years, said her campaign will focus on creating jobs, improving neighborhood safety and bringing needed reforms to City Hall to increase transparency and accountability.
Schipske was born in Long Beach and has served the community as both a City Councilmember and a Long Beach City College Trustee. She has worked locally as a registered nurse practitioner, attorney and California State University at Long Beach instructor.
Rancho LPG Busted By EPA
Multiple Violations of Clean Air Act Cited
By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor
On March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent a “Notification of Potential Enforcement Action” to Rancho LPG, for multiple, diverse violations of the Clean Air Act, including fundamental inadequacies with its risk management planning.
According to the EPA, Rancho “failed to develop and implement an emergency response program for the purpose of protecting public health and the environment, including at a minimum, procedures for informing the public and emergency response agencies in the event of a release.”
Harbor Currents: NEWS March 20, 2013
Officer Involved Shooting
LONG BEACH — Long Beach Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help with leads involving a shooting near 8th Street and Maine Avenue in Long Beach.
At about 6:30 p.m. March 18, LBPD officers responded loitering by possible gang members. When they arrived to the area a police officer made contact with man, who ran from the officer and began shooting at the policeman. The officer returned fire and the suspect fled into the neighborhood, officials said.
The officer was not injured and it is unknown if the suspect was struck by gunfire. The suspect was not found.
Hundreds Protest Courthouse Closures
Hundreds rallied outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles March 14, to protest upcoming closures of several courthouses throughout the county.
Critics argue the court closures will force citizens into longer commute times, increased transportation cost and potentially less access to justice.
“People are going to show up at court buildings that have been in their neighborhood for years and find it closed,” Bob Schoonover, president of SEIU Local 721, said during the rally. “I’ve seen it, and there’s a look of bewilderment on their face as they ask ‘What do I do? Where do I go?’ but this is going to be happening all over the county.”
The Los Angeles Superior Court’s plan to close the courthouses is a direct response to Los Angeles’ $56 to $86 million budget shortfall expected at the beginning of the fiscal year July 1.
The march was planned by The Save Our Courts Coalition, a collection of different groups including the SEIU Local 721, ACLU Southern California, and many others.
During the rally, protesters staged a mock trial in which they reenacted a courtroom scene. Protesters, representing the citizens of Los Angeles, faced off with “Mr.One Percent” who represented the Superior Court Judges.
Legal aid providers filed a federal lawsuit against the Superior Court after the conclusion of the rally.
“We’re going to do everything we can to stop these closures because, if the judges have their way, we’re the ones who will be left behind,” said Schoonover in a statement. “Our neighbors and family members will be taking five-hour bus rides across the county just to have their day in court. That’s just not fair.”
Video link: http://bcove.me/ddvpblr1