Belmont Beacon
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 - JUNE 15, 2014
belmontbeacon.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 6
Robert Garcia youngest, first Latino, and ...on the openly gay mayor for Long Beach second By JENNIFER schlueter floor of the This past Tuesday, Long SeismicallyBeach has elected its new mayor, Robert Garcia, 36. “I’m incredibly grateful and honored to have Deficient been elected,” the new mayor said Wednesday. “I understand Building, one that for certain communities … this is a historic moment and a man is trying point of pride. But I ran to be the mayor of all of Long Beach, regardless of the color of their skin, to find the or who they love, or what part of the city they’re from.” answers to Garcia ran against real estate investor Damon Dunn, life’s resistant who would have been the first African-American mayor, and also the youngest mayor Long questions.... Beach ever had. The new mayor was elected “in an expensive race [more than 2.8 million] that shattered the city’s record for election spending, earning 52.1% of the vote to Dunn’s 47.9%,” according to the L.A. Times. His opponent congratulated Garcia stating he would make a “fantastic mayor.” The new mayor states that “Mayor Foster has done right by the city,” but he will follow his own, different ideas and style. Garcia plans not only on work-
a combination of core theoretical and practical skills development courses as well as do a research-based thesis with department faculty members, often resulting in students and faculty co-authoring papers in scientific journals. “It is a demanding program for the students as well as the faculty,” Kwon said, but one that opens doors. More than
On June 18 at 5:30 P.M., for the fourth year, politicians, community leaders and actors will gather at the offices of Keesal, Young and Logan to tell stories about Long Beach politics, culture and newsmakers. Tongues firmly in cheek, our Political Players promise to reveal the real truth about all that is happening in town. The script has been written, the roles have been cast and it’s going to be a banner year for the Political Players. This year’s topics of satire include the breakwater, saving the library, the new city council, med-pot dispensaries, and “The Gov” pondering climate change, our drought, and Sacramento politics. George Deukmejian headlines the cast, making his fourth appearance and reprising his role as “The Gov.” The other 2014 Political Players are: Evan Anderson Braude, Kay Cofield, Doug Haubert, Betty Karnette, Carl Kemp, Kraig Kojian, Art Levine, Gigi
Please see page 2
Please see page 4
-Courtesy Photo
ing on the city’s budget, parks and libraries, but also on restoring the L.A. river by teaming up with L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti, who endorsed Garcia, bringing both cities closer together.
Officially filling the mayor position on July 15, the mayor-elect promises to strongly focus on fighting pollution, poverty, and Please see page 4
California State University, Long Beach No. 1 in the number of Physics Master’s graduates The Physics and Astronomy Department at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has the largest number of physics master’s graduates among U.S. master’s granting universities, according to a new report on U.S. collegiate physics program graduation rates by the American Institute of Physics (AIP). During 2010, 2011 and 2012, the department averaged 12 master’s of science gradu-
ates, the highest among 62 physics master’s granting universities. “This accolade is the result of the faculty’s dedication to student success during the last decade,” said Department Chair Chuhee Kwon. “The department faculty’s goal is to support students to achieve their dream, whether it is to go to a Ph.D. program or to have a career in industry or teaching.” The graduate students take
2 | JUNE 9, 2014 - JUNE 15, 2014
U.S. exports reach $193.3 billion in April
McDonnell to face Tanaka in run off race for Sheriff
Export-Import Bank financing support helps create American jobs
by SHEL SEGAL
The United States exported $193.3 billion of goods and services in April 2014, according to data released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the U.S. Commerce Department. “The numbers show that the world’s consumers want U.S. goods and services for their quality and reliability,” said ExportImport Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “Made in America is still the best in the world, and the Ex-Im Bank is proud to play its part in boosting U.S. exporters abroad and supporting jobs here at home.” Exports of goods and services over the last twelve months totaled $2.3 trillion, which is 45.1
percent above the level of exports in 2009, and have been growing at an annualized rate of 9.0 percent when compared to 2009. During the same time period among the major export markets (i.e., markets with at least $6 billion in annual imports of U.S. goods), the countries with the largest annualized increase in U.S. goods purchases, when compared to 2009, were Panama (22.7 percent), Russia (18.9 percent), Peru (18.5 percent), Hong Kong (17.9 percent), Colombia (17.6 percent), Argentina (16.4 percent), Ecuador (16.1 percent), Chile (15.5 percent), Indonesia (14.6 percent) and China (14.5 percent).
Long Beach Office 3780 Kilroy Airport Way Suite 360 Long Beach, CA 90806 Ph. (562) 472-0071 Fx. (562) 689-0071 Los Angeles Office 5701 South Eastern Avenue Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90040 Ph. (323) 727-1144 Fx. (323) 727-9198 www.heger-industrial.com Lic. #00814086
In the race to replace embattled Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell won the right to face former undersheriff and current Gardena Mayor Paul Tanaka in Tuesday’s Primary Election. McDonnell finished well in first in the election, garnering 49.15 percent of the vote, while Tanaka received 14.74 percent. Falling short were Bob Olmsted with 9.89 percent, James Hellmold with 7.91 percent, Patrick Gomez with 6.74 percent, Todd Rogers with 6.14 percent and Lou Vince with 5.43 percent. In the race for the vacant Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors First District seat, former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis won the election with 70.32 percent of the vote and will have to face opponent April Saucedo Hood in the November General Election. Juventino “J” Gomez took third. In the race to become the next Los Angeles County Assessor, Jeffrey Prang led a field of 11 candidates with 18.06 percent. Running against him in November will be John Morris, who had 16.40 percent of the vote. In Monterey Park, Measure A – a housing development initiative – passed with 52.45 percent of the vote.
In a special election in Glendale to fill a vacant city council seat, Paula Devine beat out a field of five candidates with 33.69 percent of the vote. That term will end in April 2015. And in another Glendalerelated matter on how to decide to fill office vacancies in the future, known as Measure G, this initiative passed with 68.58 percent of the vote. In the 49th Assembly District covering the west San Gabriel Valley, Assemblyman Ed Chau is being returned to Sacramento for another term. He has 60.7 percent of the vote and has defeated Esthela Siegrist. In the 22nd state Senate District, state Sen. Ed Hernandez ran unopposed and is on his way back to the state Legislature. And in 27th Congressional District, Rep. Judy Chu is on the road back to Washington, defeating challenger Jack Orswell with 63.21 percent of the vote. Voter turnout for this election was considered by many to be low at just over 13 percent, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. (Shel Segal can be reached at ssegal@beaconmedianews.com. He can be followed via Twitter @ segallanded.)
Physics Master's graduates Continued from page 1
one-third of CSULB master’s graduates are accepted into Ph.D. programs while others teach at community colleges or high schools or take positions in industry or government. “The department has been proactively addressing the national needs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workforces,” Kwon noted. “Since 2010, we have partnered with the American Physical Society (APS) for the Physics Teacher Education
Coalition (PhysTEC) Project to increase the number of qualified high school physics teachers. “In addition,” she added, “the department was recently selected as an APS Bridge Program site to increase the number of physics Ph.D.s awarded to underrepresented minority students—Hispanic, African and Native Americans.” The AIP report is available at http://www.aip.org/sites/ default/files/statistics/graduate/ graddeg-depts-p-12.pdf
JUNE 9, 2014 - JUNE 15, 2014 | 3
hlr media EDITORIAL editor@belmontbeacon.com Editor Jennifer Schlueter Publisher HLR Media Advertising advertising@hlrmedia.com Submissions:
Please send all press releases to: editor@belmontbeacon.com HLR Media, LLC .All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily that of the management and staff at HLR Media, LLC 525 E Seaside Way, Suite 101B Long Beach 90802
Phone: (626) 386-3457 Fax: (626) 600-4452
Alhambra PRESS
Baldwin Park
INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT
West Coast leaders applaud Obama administration’s proposal to cut carbon pollution The leaders of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia today applauded the Obama Administration’s newly released proposal for reducing carbon pollution as a welcome sign that the federal government is stepping up as a partner in the fight against climate change. The three West Coast governors and the Premier of British Columbia, representing the Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC), said the proposal would achieve meaningful greenhouse gas reductions from existing power plants, the nation’s largest source of heat-trapping emissions. At the same time, they said, it will allow the states flexibility to build on programs and partnerships that are already protecting public health, saving consumers money and spurring innovation in cleaner, safer energy. “President Obama and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy are to be congratulated for accelerating a national response to the costs and risks of climate change,” said Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. “These standards will protect the health of citizens across the country while supporting our growing renewable energy economy on the West Coast. I am particularly pleased to see the Administration recognize the important role of regional partnerships, like the Pacific Coast Collaborative, in meeting the objectives of this new effort to curb carbon pollution,” he said. The proposed U.S. EPA regulation, under Section 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, complements the goals of the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy, a comprehensive and far-reaching agreement signed by the leaders in October 2013. The agreement commits the three states and British Columbia to align climate and energy policies, link programs where feasible to create consistent and cost-effective solutions, and grow the region’s clean energy economy. “President Obama today announced historic federal policy action to address climate change,”
said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “The EPA’s new carbon pollution standards will also encourage and empower ongoing state and regional climate action, such as our collaborative efforts to grow the Pacific Coast’s clean energy economy. The risks of inaction on climate change are too great to ignore, and threaten grave damage to Washington’s communities, economy and way of life. I commend the President for taking this bold climate action.” The PCC leaders pledged to cooperate with governments around the world to press for action on climate change. “While others delay and deny, the Obama Administration is confronting climate change headon with these new standards,” said California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. “Clean energy policies are already working in California,
generating billions of dollars in energy savings and more than a million jobs. Bold, sustained action will be required at every level and this is a major step forward.” Under the PCC Action Plan, California and British Columbia will maintain their existing carbon pricing programs, while Oregon and Washington will commit to moving forward on similar policies. The leaders will further commit to “meaningful coordination and linkage between states and provinces across North America.” “I congratulate President Obama and the U.S. EPA for taking the next step on the path to not only reducing carbon pollution in the United States, but also in driving investment in new clean technology and clean energy for years to come,” said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.
Change lives. Make wishes come true.
Become a Make-A-Wish ®
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers for Make-A-Wish give their time and talents to help bring hope, strength and joy to children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. We have a special need for volunteers in the Inland Empire to help local children.
Get Involved Today ocie.wish.org | 714-573-9474
4 | JUNE 9, 2014 - JUNE 15, 2014
Answers to life's resistant questions Continued from page 1
Fusco Meese, Michelle Molina, Patrick O’Donnell, and Susan Wise. Mitchell Nunn serves as emcee and narrator. The Radio Show is a fundraiser for the Playhouse and a truly unique experience. Tickets are $85, a modest price for the chance to hang out with the city’s movers and shakers, eat great food and have a drink at the hosted bar. And it all takes place in a room with a breathtaking view of the harbor. And, as if that weren’t enough, there will be opportunity drawings for many great prizes. Tickets are limited; call the Playhouse box office at 562-494-1014 X 1 to purchase yours today. If not sold out,
tickets will be sold at the event. We thank our actors and Keesal, Young and Logan for their generosity in making possible this event. All proceeds support the productions and programs of the Long Beach Playhouse including plays of all types, collaborative productions, comedy nights, guest lecturers, regionally recognized youth and adult education programs and the internationally acclaimed New Works Festival. From Return to the Long Beach Home Companion 2014: June 18, 2014 ~ 5:30 7:30 p.m., Offices of Keesal, Young & Logan, 14th Floor Union Bank Building ~ 400 Oceangate.
Robert Garcia new mayor Continued from page 1
crime in Long Beach. Having immigrated with his family from Peru when he was 5, Garcia was the first of his family to finish college. He first came to our city as a student at California State University Long Beach, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Continuing his education at USC, he received his master’s degree and became an adjunct professor. 2009, Garcia joined the Long Beach city council where he became Long Beach’s Vice mayor in 2012.
The new mayor foresees a bright future for Long Beach: “It’s going to be a new strategic era for the city, we’re gonna be doing strategic planning for our educational partners, for our business team, our economic team, and I wanna hire also the best and the brightest. Long Beach is going to be poised to continue doing really great work, growing the port, bringing in new partners, working with people like Mayor Eric Garcetti and others to really put Long Beach in that next step.”
The Queen Mary celebrates the 4th with an entertainment voyage and fireworks Active military personnel admitted free Southern California's historic maritime landmark is befitting of an exceptional July 4th celebration; An All – American 4th of July, already a tradition for many local families, attracts visitors from near and far. Building on her past successes, the Queen Mary will celebrate 2014's national holiday with an entertainment voyage across the decades accompanied by celebratory menus, on-board activities and a special welcome for all those now serving and in uniform. Guests arrive to a 1910 Old Fair-style welcome with carnival games and are ushered into 104 years of American history, represented throughout the ship. On-board entertainment will span the ages: the Roaring 20's Gatsby Buffet kicks things off in the elegant Grand salon, complete with jazz while 'flappers' take to the dance floor. A Royal Speakeasy will combine live jazz with period cabaret; juke box favorites, Lindy Hoppers and Hula Hooping bring back the tail-fin days of the Fabulous 50's; and a Beatles celebration featuring Abbey Road tribute band marks the decade that changed everything. The Queen's Salon's Studio 54, a boogie land brought to life by The Disco Kings will make even the most dated polyester suit hip again. SoCal's reigning "Best Live Band" - Robert John and The Wreck – The MVP's and DJ Dennis Owens complete the entertainment line-up. Shipboard family-friendly activities include vintage carnival games, Day Glow
Arcade featuring Mrs. Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Air Hockey, giant Connect 4 and more! Vintage radio show reenactments, laser tag, magic shows and Y2K Sci Fi Parlor ensure that everyone from age eight to eighty eight will be entertained all day long. The Queen Mary decks will fill with daylong dancing, strolling live performers and other holiday fun; at dusk they become Long Beach's premier viewing location for the spectacular Queen Mary fireworks display – routinely ranked as one of the best places to watch fireworks in the Southland. All-American themed dining menus will be featured at all Queen Mary's eateries. From casual fare at the Promenade Café to themed stations throughout the ship, to fine dining at Sir Winston's, visitors can expect much more than hot dogs or a backyard burger. The event opens at noon and ends at eleven. General Admission Pass is $39.99 ($45 day of the event) and VIP Patriot Pass is $59.99 ($65 day of event) and includes the ultimate All American 4th of July experience with exclusive access to three private decks complete with exclusive programming and entertainment. (Ages 21+). Child Pass (4-11) is $19.99 ($25 day of event) and children 3 and under are free. For more information, tickets, dining options, VIP Packages, and special July 4th Overnight Stay visit https://www.queenmary.com/ events/july-fourth/or call (877) 342-0738.