MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2014 - NOVEMBER 9, 2014
riversideindependent.com
Bright lights back on: Halloween light show allowed to continue by Vickie Vértiz
VOLUME 1, NO. 27
California economy expected to grow strong in next 5 years By SHEL SEGAL
benefit of mankind. There are a million stories out there and we want to have your nominations so we may
The Great Recession is long over with the California economy doing much better than the national economy, local economists said at a conference on Oct. 23. In addition, economists are predicting stronger job growth and a continued housing recovery. Kimberly Ritter-Martinez, an economist with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corps said at the Pasadena Economic and Business Summit at Brookside Golf Club that strong growth will be a mainstay of the next five years. Ritter-Martinez added the county’s GPD will outpace the national average through 2019, with job growth in the county through 2015 recovering all the jobs it lost during the recession. But she did say that many recently hired workers are parttime as many employees are still nervous about California’s economy, meaning they don’t want to take a chance with fulltime hires. She also said she believes the Fed won’t raise short-term interest rates until next summer because of three reasons, one of which is a declining labor force participation rate. “That refers to the percentage of people who are either working or actively seeking work. In September the national labor force participation
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- Photo by Terry Miller
A synchronized musicand-light show flashed neon pumpkins and blasted the song, “This is Halloween” to families watching from lawns and their cars. Across from Orange Terrace Community Park
in Riverside, a house on Deercreek Drive was shut down after neighbor complaints to police on October 26 for violating a noise ordinance, reported the Press Enterprise. But after much public outcry and the at-
tainment of a permit, the show continues. The person responsible for the 12,000-light show is Kevin Judd, said the paper. Of the Please see page 4
Do you know someone who truly makes a difference? Someone who is truly exceptional? An Unsung Hero, if you will? by terry miller Do you know of someone in your community, town or city who has a remarkable story? If so, we want to hear about them. Someone who has made a significant difference in your life
or the lives of others in the community? We’re looking for stories about everyday people doing wonderful things in this world, not for themselves but for the
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No more race-based lockdowns in California prisons by Jennifer schlueter In 2006, African American inmates of the California High Desert State Prison had been locked down for 14 months deprived from outdoor exercise, rehabilitation programs, and prison jobs after two guards had been attacked by prisoners. The lockdown was solely based on race and unjustly included inmates who didn’t take part in the incident. According to the Los Angeles Times, another incident concerning a “riot between northern and southern Mexican gangs at Pelican Bay State Prison, resulted in a three-year lockdown” during which prisoners “were denied family visits, issued housing and work assignments and assigned outdoor exercise times all based on race.” Because some gangs are
associated with a certain race, these lockdowns happen. Lawyer Rebekah Evenson told CBS that out of 600 annual lockdowns in California prisons, 200 are based on race. No other state has such race-based policies, reported the Times. Prison officials claim these lockdowns are safety measures, so that they can conduct investigations after violent occasions. Following the incident at the California High Desert State Prison, lawyers for inmates filed a civil rights lawsuit against the unfair lockdown. Out of the resulting settlement, last Wednesday’s decision of California officials to end these lockdowns came forth and ruled them to be unconstitutional because they violate the equal protection granted by the 14th Amendment.
Change lives. Make wishes come true.
Do you know anyone who makes a true difference? Continued from page 1
shine a Beacon on that individual with a feature story in our family of newspapers and companion websites. A couple of years ago we focused on a teenager who started a business collecting fruit from peoples’ trees and donated to fresh food banks. He did it not for cash but because he cared enough to want to ensure that people were eating fresh fruit every day and didn’t want any food wasted . It is truly inspiring to see a high school student devote his weekends to such a project. In the coming months and years we’ll be featuring people in your city but first we need to know a little about them. In your suggestions, please include the name of the person, age (approx.) and city in which they live and of course a phone number. Tell us why you feel they deserve a special spotlight
shined on their life? How long have you known this individual? Any special circumstances we should know about? Suggestions might include: someone who cares for injured/ feral animals; a family who fosters children; a doctor who still makes house calls….we’re open to your suggestions. Nominations will be reviewed monthly by our Editorial Board. Please no phone calls, all submissions MUST be in sent via email . Decisions on whom we’ll profile remain entirely at the discretion of the Editorial Board. We appreciate any and all nominations. As the old adage goes” There are a million stories in the Naked City. This is one of them…” Please submit your suggestions to: jschlueter@hlrmedia.com
Economy growth for California Continued from page 1
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rate was 62.7 percent, down from 62.9 percent the previous month and 63.2 percent a year earlier,” according to a published report. Also speaking at the conference was Selma Hepp, a senior economist with the California Association of Realtors. Hepp said while the market is strong, there are some areas for concern, mainly affordability among 18- to 34-year-olds. Hepp added that while housing inventory is up, it is still situated well below the demand, adding young and first-time buyers face a lack of information when trying to purchase a home with many thinking a bank will not give them a loan. Mike Ross, CEO of Pasadena Center Operating Co., the nonprofit corporation that
manages Pasadena Convention Center, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, also spoke at this business summit. He said the city has seen a steady increase in hotel occupancy rates. Ross said the occupancy rate has jumped to 85 percent from 68 percent in 2010, adding there are plans to build several new hotels in the city and that is expected to help boost business to the convention center. This economic and business summit was a collaborative presentation by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the city of Pasadena. (Shel Segal can be reached at ssegal@beaconmedianews. com. He can be followed via Twitter @segallanded.)
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hlr media EDITORIAL editor@riversideindependent.com Editor Jennifer Schlueter Publisher HLR Media Advertising advertising@hlrmedia.com Submissions:
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California ranks 48th best on business taxes Annual release of the State Business Tax Climate Index California has the 48th best tax climate in the U.S. according to the latest edition of the State Business Tax Climate Index, released last Tuesday by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. The Golden State’s rank remains unchanged from its 48th place ranking last October. The Index, now in its 11th edition, measures how well structured each state’s code is by analyzing over 100 tax variables in five different categories: corporate, individual income, sales, property, and unemployment insurance taxes. States are punished for overly complex, burdensome, and economically harmful tax codes but are rewarded for transparent and neutral tax codes that do not distort business decisions. A state’s ranking can rise or fall significantly not only because of its own actions, but also because of changes or reforms made in other states. The breakdown of California’s ranking this year is as follows (1st is best, 50th is worst): •California’s overall State Business Tax Climate ranking: 48th •Corporate tax structure: 34th •Individual income tax structure: 50th •Sales tax structure: 42nd •Property tax structure: 14th •Unemployment insurance tax structure: 14th “The federal government is gridlocked, but state policymakers on both sides of the aisle are enacting truly fundamental reforms,” said Tax Foundation Economist and Manager of State Projects Scott Drenkard. “States are doing their part and it’s time that Washington steps up.” The report’s key findings include: •The 10 most competi-
tive states are: Wyoming (#1), South Dakota (#2), Nevada (#3), Alaska (#4), Florida (#5), Montana (#6), New Hampshire (#7), Indiana (#8), Utah (#9) and Texas (#10). •The 10 least competitive states are: New Jersey (#50), New York (#49), California (#48), Minnesota (#47), Vermont (#46), Rhode Island (#45), Ohio (#44), Wisconsin (#43), Connecticut (#42), and Iowa (#41). •The most notable ranking changes occurred in North Carolina, Nebraska, North Dakota, New York, Wisconsin, Maine,
and Kansas (see state specific press releases for more details). The goal of the State Business Tax Climate Index is to start a conversation between taxpayers and policymakers about how their states fare against the rest of the country. This report helps answer the questions: How well is your tax code structured? How competitive is your state compared to the rest of the county? Are businesses in your state spending too much time complying with onerous tax provisions? Are you double taxing things you shouldn’t?
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
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Glee actress Lauren Potter at RAM Glee actress and anti-bullying activist Lauren Potter’s original speaking date as part of the Art Alliance’s Look Who’s Talking Too Speaker Series fundraiser for the Riverside Art Museum was Monday, September 29. However, due to Glee’s filming schedule, she had to postpone her talk. Her mother, Robin Sinkhorn, gave the following statement at that time: “Lauren’s filming schedule for the sixth season of Glee has made it necessary to postpone her appearance, but she is anxious to reschedule and can’t wait to be able to share her story with the Riverside Art Museum’s supporters. A rescheduled date is being worked out now. We apologize for any inconvenience. We will post the new date as soon as we hear from Lauren.” The rescheduled date for Lauren Potter’s lecture is Sun-
day, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. All previously sold tickets for her postponed September 29th lecture will be honored on November 9. Tickets are $25 and still available by visiting www.riversideartmuseum.org or calling 951.684.7111. Lauren Potter is a Riverside Poly High School graduate and an actress best known for her portrayal of Becky Jackson, the co-captain of the cheerleading squad, on the hit TV show, Glee. She is also a strong activist for individuals with developmental disabilities and has traveled around the country sharing her inspirational story and to speak out against bullying. Lauren is an Ambassador for Special Olympics World Games 2015. Lauren’s mother, Robin Sinkhorn, will also be available for Q&A discussion after the lecture. As a non-profit institution,
RAM relies on the generosity of donors like you to support a place where a love of the arts can be sparked and nurtured. YOUR support is critical to our mission. Please purchase tickets to the lecture(s), consider sponsoring the event, and/or help spread the word about our Speaker Series. If you cannot attend the lecture series but would like to make a donation to the Riverside Art Museum in support of the arts, donations can also be given on our website: www.riversideartmuseum.org. Thank you! An opportunity drawing for artwork by Karen Kauffman (currently on display above our fireplace in the lobby of the Riverside Art Museum) valued at $900 will also take place after the Speaker Series. One ticket is $10; three tickets can be purchased for $25. The winner does not need to be present to win. Opportunity
drawing tickets can be purchased at the front desk. RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 60-plus-year-old, private, nonprofit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle and AIA Gold Medal-winning architect Julia Morgan, the museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. For information on exhibits, events, classes, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RiversideArtMuseum.org. Find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ riversideartmuseum), Twitter (RAMRiverside), Instagram (@ riversideartmuseum), and Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/ramarts).
Bright lights back on: Halloween light show allowed to continue Continued from page 1
initial shut down, Judd had said, “It’s really disappointing. Screaming moms and dads (during ballgames at the park) are louder than our shows.” The negative reaction should not have come as a big surprise. According to the Enterprise, his own homeowners association passed a rule prohibiting excessive displays after having the shows at his home
from 2008 to 2011.Judd moved the show this year to the ho4se of friends. The shows last for a half hour and have been happening since October 21, nightly except for Saturday, when three events are shown. The paper reported that the shows “drew hundreds of people each night, including families, who sat or danced to the music on the
grass at the park.” The recent problems this year started just after the Sunday night show had begun after two neighbors complained to police about the noise and traffic, according to the Enterprise quoting Officer Cheryl Hayes from an email. The neighbors claimed that more than 1,000 people were blocking the road, while cars were being parked on the grass and pedestrians from outside the neighborhood were on their lawns. “Officers responded and gave the homeowner a verbal warning and began dispersing people out of the roadway,” Hayes told the paper. The homeowners, Mark and Melanie Betty, said police let them know if they received any more complaints, they would have to confiscate the equipment. For the most part, the public responded to the initial shut down with disappointment. Responses on Facebook won-
dered why neighbors did not try to work things out without the police. Denise Gastelum, interviewed by the Enterprise, said Judd is a friend, and added that she has seen his shows in three different years. “We’re really bummed. The kids are bummed. Everyone was just really disappointed,” she said. Late Tuesday October 28, Judd said that the city of Riverside granted a block party permit to his two friends, Mark and Melanie Betty, whose house the llight show is projected upon to continue the event and will close part of the street. Judd celebrated that evening by having another performance that night. He added, “A lot of people said they can’t afford to take their kids to Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland. This is something they can do and it’s local and it’s free, and we’re happy to do it.”