Belmont Beacon
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 - JUNE 29, 2014
belmontbeacon.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 8
Shocking truths about the food Evening serving industry: “Where’s My Food?” Spectacle documentary premieres in Long Beach to include By JENNIFER schlueter performance $500 cash in one 3-hour shift or $2.13 hourly on minimum by Rock wage plus tips – waiters’ and waitresses’ pay can range widely. In for Vets, his documentary “Where’s My Food?,” director Lee Godden not only explores wage differences and tribute among servers, but also tipping behaviors, substance abuse, racto service ism and sexism at the workplace, the restaurant industry lobby, and members and other subjects restaurant customers usually do not get to see. “One in ten Americans their families works in food service,” said the explained. “I would see their they keep working as waiters de-Facebook Photo
director. “For many waiters and waitresses, this is their career and they love what they do. This film reveals how servers actually earn their living.” The director’s inspiration for his film sparked from his daughters’ accounts about the serving industry: “They’d often come home in tears, recounting stories of male shift managers touching them inappropriately or making lewd suggestions,” Godden
minimum wage paychecks that were reduced to nearly zero dollars after tax deductions that (often over-) estimated their tipped income. I’d see small cuts and burn marks on their hands from kitchen knives and hot plates.” “Where’s My Food?” gives us insight into the lives of 9 waiters with different backgrounds, ages and incomes. Some struggle with very low income or drugs, while others earn so much that
spite other professions or simply because they love what they do. Lolita raised her four children waiting tables whereas Julie is barely able to support herself. Godden includes Professor Michael Lynn, a psychologist and expert on tipping, Michael Shafer, restaurant owner and executive chef, and Saru Jayaraman, lawyer, author, and activist in the
such as land use, parking, and environmental impacts to create a stable mobility system of complete streets and corridors for Long Beach residents and workers, students, shoppers and visitors alike. This is the second consecutive year that Long Beach Development Services has been recognized by the APA. The Downtown Plan received an award for the 2013 Comprehensive Plan, Large Jurisdiction; and an Award of Merit for the Comprehensive Planning Award Large Jurisdiction at the 2013 State APA Conference. To win an award at the State level is a significant ac-
The perfect Fourth of July event involves spectacular fireworks and patriotic music. It has been a tradition all across our country for decades. This year, Long Beach residents will be able to bring their families or to enjoy a special evening with the Long Beach Municipal Band performing with the dramatic backdrop of fireworks at Veterans Stadium at Clark and Conant, announced Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske today. “It will be a great evening with our treasured Long Beach Municipal Band,” commented Schipske. “I’m thrilled that we are able to restore a long-cherished tradition of having fireworks at Vets Stadium.” The program includes a tribute to the 16 Long Beach Hometown Heroes who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, a concert by Rock for Vets, and the national anthem sung by former American Idol contest, Clint Gamboa. The Long Beach Municipal Band will perform a concert of patriotic songs with fireworks by Pyro Spectacular, Inc. For more than three decades
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City’s Mobility Element wins award of excellence The City’s Mobility Element has earned an Award of Excellence by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). The awards, which were presented last week, recognize exceptional planning achievements by individuals, cities, and businesses in the Los Angeles region. “More than just improving mobility, the plan is about enhancing our quality of life and stimulating our economy as well,” said Mayor Bob Foster. “Strategically guiding our City’s transportation networks allows for more choices and convenience, reduced traffic congestion and more efficient commuting options.”
The Long Beach City Council adopted the Mobility Element in October 2013, after more than six years of community outreach and preparation. The Mobility Element provides a 20-year guide for future decision making by establishing a vision with goals, strategies, and implementation measures that support and encourage all roadway users. Replacing the 1991 Transportation Element, the Mobility Element takes a balanced approach to improving the way people, goods, and resources should move throughout the City. The Mobility Element addresses all modes of travel, including walking, bicycling, riding transit, driving; and discusses other topics