Trio Los Machosis a story from a world many people know little or nothing about: the struggles and rewards of Mexican men who dedicate their lives to music. And it tells the story in beautiful music, songs of the Trio Los Panchos that have been a staple of Mexican and Mexican-American culture for decades, songs you have heard even if you never knew who wrote them and didn’t understand the words.
In Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, directors Ice-T and Andy Baybutt succeed in threading a difficult needle in their quest to showcase the perspectives of famous musicians on their craft. This documentary eschews the expected celebrity egomania and gets at the process of how complex wordplay is inspired and constructed to fit the beat. And along the way, the film exposes a central truth often obscured by posturing and media noise. The artists that create rap are the biggest fans of all.
(From left to right) Milvia Orantes, Helen Orantes, Evelyn Orantes, and Merin Orantes. The children, Valerie Alvarado and Timothy Alvarado. They were waiting to see Marilyn Orantes walk the stage (not pictured).
On June 21, at least hundred parents and family members of some Port of Los Angeles High School students were left out of the graduating ceremony happening inside the Warner Grand because the theater was filled to capacity. All the families waiting outside had tickets.
Real estate agents and medical marijuana proponents packed the Long Beach City Council chamber for the June 19 session that saw hoots, hollers, and one member of the public escorted out by Long Beach police. Council members Dee Andrews and Robert Garcia were absent from the session.
The Long Beach City Council voted 6-0, to have the city manager determine the feasibility of abolishing the city’s $200 business license fee paid annually by Long Beach realtors.
By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor of Random Lengths News
Everybody has a favorite burger spot. Not the franchise conglomerates like Micky D’s or the Burger Kings. I’m talking about the mom-and-pops stands that have their distinct recipes to produce their distinct combination flavors rooted in the the communities they serve. Mo Better Meaty Meat Burger, Oki Dog, A-1 Burger and once upon a time, Fat Burger.
The Original Tommy’s Burger is another one. Not that one that started on Beverly Rampart near downtown Los Angeles, but the Tommy’s Original World Famous Burger in Wilmington on Anaheim, between Avalon and Broad. This is a worker’s burger joint where two or three generations of Wilmington families go for that home grown brand of burgers,chili, and Mexican fast food.
Troy Spiropoulos, Tommy’s second generational proprietor invited Random Lengths to talk about the Penny Sale to commemorate their 42 years in business. It’s a sale they have every year, but this is probably the first year they’ve attempted to go really get the word out. Until now, only the locals really knew and took advantage of the sale.
This Tommys Burger opened July 1970 by Troy’s father, James, and his maternal uncle Tom Papulos. In 1972, Tom sold his share of the business to James, and opened another restaurant on 12th and Gaffey. This was the first Tommy Burgers in Wilmington, until a few others popped up.
“We’re a part of the community, a lot of people know us, and a lot of the customers are return customers,” Troy said. “Some them we know their order before they even walk in. A lot of people tell me, ‘I was raised on your food,’ which makes me feel good because I was on these burgers as well.”
The Supreme Burger is Tommy burger’s fan favorite. Next is the Chilli fries with Tommy’s original recipe chili.
“The Colossal burger… turkey and pastrami on a burger. The Supreme burger is really popular with bacon, cheese, and avocado. We also do a chili pastrami on a burger,” Troy explained.
The restaurant has always been a family affair. Managed at one time or another by Troy’s father and/or uncles (maternal or paternal). Troy explained that some aunts helped out as well and that his mother was also moonlighted as waitress at the family restaurant.
There’s hardly any turn over at the family restaurant.
“We’ve had the same people for a long time,” Troy said. “Alvino Diaz, who’s been here for 12 or 13 years; Mario Chavez, who has been cooking here since 1986; Tony Romero has been here since 1976. He started managing about 1982; Jorge Cruz who has been there for about two or three years. Magdalena Alonso, has been here at least 15 years. Evangelina Prado has been here for about 15 years, Liz Natividad has been here at least 10 or 12 years. And our newest waitress, Paulina Martinez, has been for about two years now.
The majority of them are all from the same village in Mexico, Tacatzcuaro, Michoacan and lot of them grew with each other or with each others families. And then they are related by inlaws. His uncles who are also restaurateurs has been the same. Low turn over.
They’re launching a very large promotion July 17 to commemorate the 42 years in Wilmington. To celebrate, there’s going to be a Penny Sale special where with the purchase of one hamburger you can get a second burger for a penny.
“It usually goes over well with the community, they seem to stock up on those two days. We also have bonus specials for those two days as well. For 99 cents you can get a grilled cheese sandwich, a bean cheese burrito, a hard shell taco, taquitos, a corn dog, five piece chicken nuggets and a small order of fries.”
The Penny Saver promotions began about 20 years ago. At around the anniversary of the burger stand’s founding, he would do a Penny Sale. Actually it was originally July 3. Buy one get one free. It’s not just to help us. It’s to help the community.
Details:(310) 549-1342
Location:137 E. Anaheim St., Wilmington
June 21
Before the Ashes
If you have been following the controversy regarding the liquid energy gas tanks across the Home Depot in San Pedro, you should come see the special screening of a 12-minute movie presentation produced by local homeowners, at 7 p.m. June 21, at Holy Trinity Parish Center.
Details: (310) 251-7075; www.hazardsbegone.com
Venue: Holy Trinity Parish Center
Location: 209 N. Hanford St., San Pedro.
June 22
Forbidden Zone
Sing happy 30th birthday to one of the greatest cult classics, Forbidden Zone, starting at 11:45 p.m. June 22, at the Art Theatre in Long Beach.
Forbidden Zone is the inspired brainchild of Richard Elfman, founding member of the legendary Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, who along with writer Matthew Bright (who would later helm the 1996 cult classic Freeway) mixed in everything from Max Fleisher to Cab Calloway to Josephine Baker to unleash a musical unlike any the world had ever seen.
By John Farrell
The house in question is a little bit far away for an easy commute to the South Bay, but you don’t have to buy the house to buyReal Estate.The play opened Friday, June 15 at Little Fish Theatre. It’s guaranteed to amuse even if you haven’t been house shopping. Actually, the hand-built home next to a lake in Canada, is just the McGuffin, for this contemporary comedy.
Editor’s Note (Imagine a booming over dub voice): In a world where advertisements are often more entertaining than the films, one lonely and underpaid writer explores the art of the trailer!
In Miami, single issue Jewish and Muslim retirees are terrified for their car’s paint jobs as a flash dance mob terrorizes the streets with crunking and krumping. When a cookie cutter real estate magnet threatens to develop a chunk of historic waterfront, new imigree Emily (Kathryn McCormick) joins Sean’s (Ryan Guzman) terrorist organization and leads a city wide revolution. Clearly inspired by the events at Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989, director Jon M. Chu’s film serves as commentary on urban development and the last expression of freedom in America: dance. “The question on everyone’s mind is…” Why is Peter Gallagher in this film?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdamC7jUrjs&version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0]
On June 18, an engineering report affirmed that the White Point slide, which took place in December 2010, was the result of erosion and not of any one particular factor.
Another morsel taken from the hour-and-half long meeting: neighborhood residents are about evenly divided on what to do about Paseo del Mar, the street marred by a huge hole in the ground.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHDQHVkYq4g&version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0]
Editor’s Note(Imagine a booming over dub voice): In a world where advertisements are often more entertaining than the films, one lonely and underpaid writer explores the art of the trailer!
After thirty years of playing the role of a video game villain, Ralph strikes out on a journey to find a new identity as a hero. Like Wall-e before it, Disney’s Wreck-it Ralph speaks directly to the modern human condition in which self-worth is too often defined by occupation. Sigmund Freud postulated that a person could find contentment, if not happiness, if he/she struck a balance between a satisfying work and home life. But can Ralph overcome his own brutish nature and a world that expects him to play his role? Director Rich Moore’s great casting includes the voices of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch. Expect tears.
Real people. Real news. Random Lengths is the Los Angeles harbor area's remaining independently owned progressive news magazine. We cover news in Carson, Wilmington, Long Beach, Lomita, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes and San Pedro.
Contact us: letters@randomlengthsnews.com
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