Belmont Beacon
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014 - NOVEMBER 23, 2014
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California’s leading example on climate change helped inspire US-China agreement by jennifer schlueter Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jingping have agreed on drastically fighting climate change by capping greenhouse gases. By 2025, the Unites States wants to cut its harmful emissions below 2005 levels to 2628%, as AlterNet reports. Instead of only promising to decrease the rapid growth rate of its emissions, China now “has agreed to cap its output by 2030 or earlier if possible,” according to AlterNet. Even though China and the US have their different views on human rights, economics and politics, their leaders certainly agree about their obligations as the “world’s largest economies and greatest emitters of greenhouse gases,” as Obama titled them at a press conference. “We have special responsibility to lead the global effort against climate change. I am proud we can announce a historic agreement. I commend President Xi, his team and the Chinese government for their making to slow, peak and then reverse China’s carbon emissions.” California, the most populous U.S. state, leads the nation with its Cap-and-Trade Program,
and entertainment. A global party made unforgettable by renowned headliners The Gypsy AllStars featuring Gypsy Kings Alumni, DJ Dennis Owens, DJ Please see page 2
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and said in an interview with The Associated Press that ““California has the most integrated response Please see page 4
New Year’s Eve 2015 aboard the Queen Mary - Auld Lang ‘Shine’ A global party featuring The Gypsy AllStars with Gypsy Kings Alumni The Queen Mary bids farewell to 2014 with a legendary New Year’s Eve party certain to make her birthplace proud Auld Lang ‘Shine’. Inspired by the liner’s Scottish heritage well known for its zealous celebra-
tion of a new year, Auld Lang ‘Shine’ is a nod to the ship’s storied past. The 21+ all-night bash highlights seven destinations from the Queen Mary’s Mediterranean Cruise of 1966 through music, culture, food
Robert G. Luna appointed Police Chief City Manager Pat West announced today that Robert G. Luna will be the next Chief of Police for the City of Long Beach. Most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Police, Chief Luna has 29 years of experience with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). “I have 100% confidence that Chief Luna will lead our department with integrity, strength, and a commitment to community policing,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “He will ensure that we build a department for the 21st century.” In his 29 years of service, Chief Luna has served in a variety of roles, including 13 years on the executive management team. Most recently Chief Luna served as Deputy Chief of Police. In that role he oversaw the Patrol Bureau and served as second in command to Chief McDonnell. He has led numerous innovative efforts at the department aimed at building positive relationships between the Police Department and the Long Beach community, managing staffing reductions, and ultimately decreasing crime in the City. “Chief Luna is without a doubt the best person to lead our Police Department,” Mr. West said. “Chief Luna has distinguished himself in law enforcement, and will provide exemplary leadership, effective administration, and continue to implement innovations that will lead Long Beach to become an even safer City.” Chief Luna holds a Master of Public Policy and Ad-
- Photo by Terry Miller
making a huge effort to reduce greenhouse gases by, for instance, charging businesses that produce pollutants. Governor Jerry Brown stands fully behind the program
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Long Beach earns perfect score in Municipal Equality Index For three years in a row, the City of Long Beach has been named one of the best cities in the nation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) inclusion in municipal law and policy. Long Beach was one of only 38 cities nationwide to achieve a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), placing the City in the top 11 percent in the nation. Long Beach has a strong and proud history of diversity and inclusiveness,” Mayor Robert Garcia said. “This recognition illustrates our commitment to respecting the rights of all people in Long Beach.” Long Beach has long recognized LGBT rights in its municipal laws and policies. Examples highlighted in the report include the Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance, the Equal Benefits Ordinance, availability of Domestic Partner Health Benefits, the Human Relations Commission, the City’s engagement with the LGBT community, the Police Department’s LGBT Liaison, City leadership’s public positions regarding LGBT equality, the City Council’s pro-equality legislative and policy efforts, and the City’s openly LGBT leadership. Cities are rated on a scale of 0-100, with bonus points award-
ed for items which apply to some, but not all cities. The City of Long Beach received nine bonus points this year. The MEI rates municipalities drawn from every state in the nation on the basis of how inclusive their laws and policies are of LGBT people. These laws and policies include non-discrimination laws, equal employee benefits, relationship recognition, inclusive city services and leadership on matters of equality. The 353 cities and municipalities rated in the 2014 MEI represent a total population of 84,442,640, which was an increase from 291 cities with a total population of 77,851,822 in 2013. According to the 2014 MEI, 25 percent of cities scored over 80 points, 25 percent of cities scored fewer than 44 points, the average score was 59 and 34 million have more inclusive laws at the municipal level than they do at the state level This year, the cities rated included the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the United States, the four largest cities or municipalities in each state, the city home to the state’s largest public university (including undergraduate and graduate enrollment) and 75 cities and municipalities that have high proportions of same-sex couples.
New Year's Eve aboard the Queen Mary Continued from page 1
Lu and more. New Year’s Eve aboard the Queen Mary will be a brilliant welcome to 2015. Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Egypt and the USA will transform three and a half acres of the ship’s deck and salon space into an international celebration of festivities. Revelers can party from country to country, reminiscent of the Scottish tradition to celebrate from house to house. Destinations include: •Cannes, France: A plumhued Royal Casino and French Cabaret vibrates with French Can-Can, Champagne Shows, Moulin Rogue Cabaret by Bling Divas Entertainment. •Cartagena, Spain: The Queen’s Salon turned exotic Spanish Flamenco Lounge with tapas and flowing sangria served from the Matador Bar to the sounds of The Gypsy AllStars and a famed Flamenco Dou. •Mykonos, Greece: Its dynamic club scene now lights up the Sports Deck with an LED dance floor adjacent to the Arena Bar surrounded by Greco ruins and busts of Grecian gods. The island nightlife is complete with a surprise Guest DJ spinning Electronic Dance Music (EDM). •Alexandria, Egypt: Guests can channel their inner Cleopatra amidst golden pyramids, belly dancers and snake charmers in the ship’s Britannia Salon where DJ Lu spinsTop 40’s Hip Hop across from the Pharaoh Bar. •Tangier, Morocco: Vibrant energy is brought to life in a colorful Moroccan pavilion that hosts The Dancing Fire Belly Harem, henna art, and the Elephant Bar. •Portofino, Italy: Romantics can indulge in the country’s love of food and song with singing gondoliers at the Grand Salon’s Italian buffet and Gondola Bar. •New York, USA: Partygoers can bring it back home sipping on a Manhattan at the Broadway Bar featuring Grand Dueling Pianos in Verandah Grill. The Central Park-themed
Sundeck is a magical place for another New Year’s tradition – a Rockette-style countdown that culminates in a spectacular midnight fireworks show. “There’s no better way to celebrate than aboard a ship that’s hosted New Year’s Eve guests for 80 Years. An annual tradition for many, we strive to create an unforgettable night each year. Auld Lang ‘Shine’ will be one of the best yet, a glittering celebration into a new year.” says Steve Sheldon, Director of Entertainment Events for The Queen Mary. Enjoy New Year’s Eve with general admission or VIP tickets. General admission “Cabin Class Boarding Pass” includes a complimentary party favor and grants access to 5 of the 7 stops (Italy, New York, France, Greece, Spain) offering 7 themed bars, international fare and entertainment from each nation with a view of the midnight fireworks show ($99). VIP “1st Class Boarding Pass” includes 3 complimentary cocktails and a party favor plus grants access to all seven stops including (Egypt & Morocco) offering 4 additional bars, northern African fare options, belly dancers, Hookah Lounge and DJ Lu with premiere fireworks viewing ($199). Each destination offers distinct walk-up concessions and reservations can be made for sit-down dining, from casual to five-star meals at Promenade Café, Chelsea’s Chowder House or Sir Winston’s, respectively. Themed cabanas with food and bottle service are available in each “country”. Upgrade options include hotel packages, New Year’s Day Brunch and New Year’s Eve Grand Italian Feast. All guests must be at least 21 years old. New Year’s Eve runs 8PM – 2AM. Self-Parking is $20 and On-Demand walk-up car service will also be available for competitive flat rates. For tickets and more information visit: http://www.queenmary.com/ events/new-years-eve/
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Aethlon Medical announces undetectable Ebola virus in patient treated with Hemopurifier® therapy Aethlon Medical, Inc. (OTCBB:AEMD), the pioneer in developing targeted therapeutic devices to address infectious disease and cancer, announced recently that officials at Frankfurt University Hospital have reported undetectable virus in an ebola patient previously disclosed to have received Hemopurifier® therapy. In an article entitled: “Ugandan Doctor Cured of Ebola in Germany,” The Wall Street Journal has reported that hospital officials indicated the patient is no longer infected with ebola virus and is heading toward a full recovery. The Aethlon Hemopurifier® is a first-in-class bio-filtration device that targets the rapid elimination of viruses and immunosuppressive proteins from the circulatory system of infected individuals. At present, no antiviral therapy or vaccine has proven to be effective against Ebola virus infection in humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 5,000 deaths have been attributed to the current ebola virus epidemic. The patient at Frankfurt University Hospital was administered Hemopurifier® therapy through special approval from The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut fur Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), an independent federal higher authority within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Health of Germany. “It is truly wonderful that the patient, who was reported to be suffering from multiple organ failure, is now recovering from ebola infection,” stated Aethlon founder and CEO, Jim Joyce. “In the coming days, we will disclose the venue of a public presentation that will report treatment data including the quantification of viral load reduction and viruses captured by our Hemopurifier during the treatment of this patient.” In the care of ebola-infected individuals, the Hemopurifier targets two unmet medical needs: the rapid elimination of circulating viruses to inhibit continued progeny virus replication and the direct
targeting of shed glycoproteins that overwhelm the host immune response. The device can be deployed for use within the global infrastructure of dialysis and CRRT machines already located in hospitals and clinics. Aethlon further disclosed that it is preparing to initiate U.S. clinical studies of Hemopurifier therapy based on the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) that was previously submitted by the Company. The study will contribute safety data to advance the device as a broad-spectrum countermeasure against pandemic threats, including ebola and chronic viral pathogens such as HIV
and Hepatitis C (HCV). To date, Hemopurifier therapy has been successfully administered in approximately one hundred treatment experiences in health compromised HIV and HCV infected individuals. These studies were conducted at the Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Sigma New Life Hospital, and the Medanta Medicity Institute, all located in India. In vitro validation studies that demonstrated the ability of the Hemopurifier to capture Zaire and other strains of ebola virus were conducted by researchers at the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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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New Police Chief Luna Continued from page 1
ministration, and a Bachelor of Science both from California State University Long Beach. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and the Delinquency Control Institute (DCI) at the University of Southern California. He also graduated from the FBI’s National Executive Institute and National Academy. “I am humbled by this appointment and am ready to lead the excellent men and women of the Long Beach Police Department,” said Chief Luna. “I am confident that my law enforcement experience and community focus will allow me to effectively serve the people of Long Beach as their Chief of Police.” Chief Luna’s appointment is effective November 22, 2014. He is replacing Chief Jim McDonnell, who has been elected Sheriff of Los Angeles County. All Deputy Chiefs and Commanders currently serving the
City of Long Beach were eligible to apply for the Chief position. The Long Beach Police Department is the second largest municipal police agency in Los Angeles County and provides law enforcement services to the 7th largest city in the State of California. With more than 800 sworn officers and a total staffing of more than 1,200 personnel, the LBPD is dedicated to professional, proactive, and innovative policing. LBPD is committed to building and maintaining positive relationships with the diverse community they serve. With an annual operating budget of more than $211 million, the Police Department also provides contracted law enforcement services to the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Airport, Long Beach Transit, and Long Beach City College. In 2013, the LBPD recorded a 41-year low in the number of reported violent crimes, with a decrease of 13.3 percent when compared to the previous year.
How to reduce package thefts As the holiday season approaches, Long Beach Police Department would like to encourage residents to use precautionary measures when anticipating delivery of mail-ordered or cyberordered items. Several Long Beach residents throughout the city have reported packages stolen from their front porches. The East Patrol Division is the predominant area, especially in the Park Estates, Belmont Park, and Belmont Heights neighborhoods. Suspects have been known to follow delivery trucks or park outside of anticipated delivery locations. Witnesses reported seeing suspects flee in vehicles and on rollerblades and bikes. On October 30, 2014, 29-year-old Michael Ray Lancaster of Long Beach, was arrested for his involvement in a related incident in the 300 block of Covina Avenue. He was booked into Long Beach City Jail for receiving known stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. He posted bail and was released from custody. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Long Beach Police Department would like to remind everyone to report suspicious activity immediately by calling police dispatch at 9-1-1 or (562) 435-6711, and to practice the following safety tips: •Ship items to a location where they will be personally received •Request carriers ship items to their local store or distribution center to be held for pick up •Advise your post office when you will be out of town so they can hold your deliveries until your return •Track the progress of your anticipated delivery and if you don’t receive it as expected, contact the issuing company/vendor •Request signature proof of delivery •Get to know your carriers. Typically it’s the same person on ‘your route’ •Ask a trusted neighbor to collect & hold the item rather than leaving it in a common area •Remove valuables and holiday packages from your vehicle. Don’t use your vehicle or unsecured area as storage
California's leading example on climate change helped inspire US-China agreement Continued from page 1
and strategy to deal with climate change of any political jurisdiction in the world.” He added: “What happens here doesn’t stay here, it goes all around the globe.” California currently aims at reducing “emissions of heat-
trapping gases to 1990 levels by 2020,” according to the Huffington Post; and Brown will continue push for even lower levels by 2030. Additionally, companies producing gasoline and other fuels will be charged starting 2015,
which most likely calls for higher prices for consumers, says the website. KPCC quotes California Air Resources Board spokesman Stanley Young: “I think California has shown the leadership, and in essence it has set the stage for the kind of nation-to-nation agreement that we’ve seen today.” By signing agreements with “China’s Ministry of Commerce, the National Ministry of Environmental Protection, the provinces of Jiangsu and Guangdong, and the Beijing Ministry of Environmental Protection,” Brown has brought his state and the U.S. closer (KPCC). Furthermore, The California Air Resources Board and the Shenzhen province share data about climate research and emission prevention methods, according to KPCC. While decreasing its green-
house gases, California’s economy has rather grown than suffered, which is important to note, tells David Pettit, a lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council who has worked in China, the KPCC. “That’s one of the talks I give when I go over there, about how we’ve dealt with a lot of these pollution issues while the economy has pretty much grown in a linear straight line since the 40s,” Pettit says. “And that seems to be impressive to people who hear it.” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti supports California’s efforts against pollution and said in a statement that he “will work with [the] local green tech, scientific and investment communities to see how we can play a leading role to achieve them and, in doing so, catalyze L.A. jobs and industry.”