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June 1 - June 7, 2016 VOL. 1 -
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www.TheEdgeLB.com The Edge Long Beach @EdgeLongBeach
BETTER TOGETHER
Ken McDonald believes his company, along with the port, the airport and the city can make Long Beach an even better place to live
the list
summer list Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. And don’t complain that there isn’t anything to do. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine alone is offering more than 500 classes. You can watch 28 movies, and see more than 50 concerts, most of them for FREE. A listing of everything would take up this entire magazine, but The Edge is highlighting only a few of the things you can do this summer.
Moonlight movies on the beach Alfredo Khammar has been showing movies at his location at Granada Beach for about 16 years and some of the movies have drawn more than 10,000 people so that means you better get to the beach at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Granada Avenue way before the 8 p.m. start or use the discount code for Uber and Lyft that he will have for this event or use public transit. Here’s the list of summer movies:
The sand sculpting competition is in its 84th year. Photo credit 100daysofsummer.org 2/
| June 1 - June 7, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com
June 21 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl June 28 – Pretty in Pink July 5 – Goonies July 12 – Jaws July 19 – Finding Nemo July 26 – Sandlot Aug. 2 – Princess Bride Aug. 9 – Zootopia Aug 16. Toy Story Aug. 23 – Inside Out Aug. 30 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues on pg.6
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CONTENTS FOUNDER/PRESIDENT Von Raees CEO Jesse Dillon EDITORIAL editor@hlrmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Gary Metzker SENIOR REPORTER Blake Pinto PHOTOGRAPHER Karen Sawyer REPORTERS Jesus Ambrosio Madison D’Ornellas Kevin Flores Olivia Otsuki Emily Rasmussen GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Jorge Arroyo Katie Lowery Allison Rojas WEBSITE Jorge Arroyo SALES DISTRIBUTION SUPERVISOR Edward Davis ACCOUNTING Vera Shamon PUBLISHER HLR Media ADVERTISING advertising@hlrmedia.com SUBMISSIONS: Please send all press releases to: editor@hlrmedia.com
The edge-u-cator The release last week of Heal the Bay’s 2016 beach report card is good news for those looking to take a dip in the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean as 93 percent of the city’s beaches were given A or B grades. Long Beach continues its five-year streak of water quality improvements, nearly matching the statewide average of 95 percent. Local beaches also received A and B grades in water quality last summer – a 10 percent improvement from the year before, according to Heal the Bay’s 2014 Beach Report Card, which gives A-to-F grades based on the water’s bacteria levels at 454 locations throughout California. Of course, when it rains, we don’t reign; our top marks fall to F grades and that’s because the Los Angeles River delivers trash, oil, fecal matter and the rest of the county’s other urban runoff to town. Long Beach’s wet-weather grades are among the worst in the state, with only 7 percent of beaches earning A or B grades. Let’s keep talk about grades . . . upgrades, like in residents with at least a college degree moving to downtown Long Beach. According to a report by Downtown Long Beach Associates, the city experienced five percent growth in residents with at least a college degree, bringing the total percentage of residents with such a degree to 32 percent. Rental rates are up, too: according to the study, rates have jumped 26 percent since 2010, and occupancy rates are hovering at 96 percent. The study showcased increased walkability and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, showing that individuals strolling the downtown are 14 percent more likely to commute by foot and public transit than the rest of the city, and 14 percent less likely than the rest of the city to use a car.
the list:
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It’s summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime and there are plenty of activities to do in Long Beach.
NEWS: 04 A look at the measures facing Long Beach voters on Tuesday.
calendar: 07 COVER: 08
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
Ken McDonald, CEO of Long Beach Transit, believes his company, along with the port, the airport and the city, can make Long Beach an even better place to live.
525 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (626) 386-3457 Fax: (626) 600-4452
entertainment:
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The Queen Mary celebrates 80 years and our writer remembers his experience on the ship.
In terms of tourism, Long Beach appears to be growing: the advent of Beach Streets downtown brought in 50,000 visitors last year, and hotel occupancy has risen 14 percent since 2010, to a 75 percent occupancy rate. One of the rare decreases for downtown included a number of residents aged 65 or older decreasing by 1.5 percent, as well as residents under 18 decreasing by 3.4 percent. Long Beach loves the sand, and sand volleyball, too. So we are all invited to attend a grand opening ceremony for the new volleyball court at Recreation Park at 1:30 pm on Saturday. The court is located between Park Avenue and the Band Shell, north of Seventh Street and south of Federation Drive. “Residents will love the opportunity to play on the new sand volleyball court, located near picnic sites in beautiful Recreation Park,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a release. “These types of projects support Long Beach’s livability goals and are another reason why our City is a great place to live, work and play.” “Recreation Park is known for its many sports facilities from the fly casting pond, lawn bowling greens, Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Joe Rodgers Softball Stadium, Blair Field and two golf courses,” said councilwoman Suzie Price. “I am excited that this new volleyball court will add to the amenities for residents who want a fun way to stay active.” Remember, if you want to write for The Edge, see the ad in this week’s issue. Join us, and help make this a weekly publication for the community, by the community. As always, if you love us or hate us, have a story idea, or want to advertise with us, let us know with a comment on our Facebook page The Edge Long Beach or our website www.theedgelb.com. You can also follow us on Twitter (@Edgelongbeach) Or send me an email at editor@hlrmedia.com. Gary Metzker Managing editor
We Buy Houses
BUSINESS: 11 Restaurants, brewpubs and shops in shipping containers? In Long Beach? Steelcraft is coming.
artist: 15 This weekend’s Art Gathering on the Queen Mary will feature fine art, tattoos, performance artists and DJs.
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news
Decision, decisions, decisions Everything you need to know to vote on Tuesday
The California primary election is Tuesday, but voting for a presidential candidate isn’t the only issue that Long Beach voters will have to decide when going to the polls. In addition to other elected office positions regarding the state, like for United States Senate and House of Representatives, Long Beach has three measures for you to decide. If you are exercising your right to vote and don’t feel like sifting through the political jargon inside your official sample ballot (which you still should do!), The Edge has broken it down for you. by Emily Rasmussen
The Edge’s Cheat Sheet for the City’s Measures Measure A: Public safety, Infrastructure Repair and Neighborhood Services Measure If passed, this measure would increase the 9 percent sales tax by one cent, making it 10 percent. After six years, it would decrease by half a cent and then end completely after 10 years. The tax increase for Measure A is supposed to go toward funding police and emergency response services and repairs to the city’s infrastructure. It will pass with a simple majority. The argument in favor for Measure A is that by funding and hiring additional police, it will help to reduce crime rates in the city. It is also meant to improve 911 response times by paramedics and bring firefighters to more locations, also
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restoring firefighter engines. Funds would also go to upgrading the city’s water systems, and fixing streets, roads, alleys, and potholes. A Citizens Advisory Committee would be in place to keep an eye on expenditures from the tax increase, essentially to make sure the city keeps its word on where the funds are spent. The measure has been endorsed by Mayor Robert Garcia, and former mayors Bob Foster and Beverly O’Neill. The argument against Measure A is that it does not legally guarantee an
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increase to police or fire services, or for improving the city’s infrastructure. By increasing the general sales tax the money would go into the city’s general fund, which has the potential to be spent on other general fund items. Some members of the Long Beach Taxpayers Association are against Measure A.
Measure B: Budget Stabilization “Rainy Day” Fund Measure If passed, Measure B will require the
first 1 percent of any new general tax, with funds going into a budget used to pay for city operations or services that might reach future financial hardships. City Council would not be able to use these funds from the budget stabilization fund for more than three consecutive years. The argument in favor for Measure B is that if a future recession were to happen, then the budget stabilization fund would be able to maintain funds for police, fire and other services. The fund would be saving money
feature
from new tax revenues, rather than spending it right away. Measure B was also endorsed by Mayors Garcia, Foster and O’Neill. The argument against Measure B is similar to the argument against Measure A; mainly that there are no legal guarantees that the new tax revenue will actually be put into the budget stabilization fund.
Measure LB: Long Beach City College Classroom Repair, Career Education, Student Transfer Measure LBCC would get upgrades on its buildings, classrooms, laboratories, while improving training for health services, small businesses, police, firefighters, technology, and other careers. Measure LB would also work to improve the infrastructure of the
buildings and make sure the buildings are compliant to earthquake safety. This measure, which would need to pass by a 55 percent majority vote, would issue $850 million in bonds at legal rates. The argument for Measure LB is to improve the conditions for students and veterans at LBCC. By improving the quality of the campus and making it more affordable to students, it should open more opportunities for people to get higher education. The argument against Measure LB is that there have been other renovation projects that will have cost over $600 million since 2000. The Long Beach Taxpayers Association claims that LBCC does not have an on-budget target. Don’t forget to check your voter registration status and polling location at LAvote.net.
LB Fire - If Measure A is passed in Long Beach, the new tax revenue is supposed to go towards supporting police, fire, and other emergency service funds. Photo courtesy of Flickr by Steve Lyon LB Street - Funds for Measure A is also supposed to fix the city’s infrastructure, like improving the roads, streets, and fixing potholes. Photo courtesy of Flickr by Vince Garcia - Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia endorses Measure A and Measure B, along with former mayors Bob Foster and Beverly O’Neill. Photo courtesy of Facebook LB Storm - Measure B, or the “Rainy Day Fund” would be a savings budget stabilization fund if a financial hardship were to occur in the future. The funds would protect services and operations in the city like police and firefighters. Photo courtesy of Facebook LBCC - If Measure LB is passed, it would give Long Beach City College up to $850 million in bonds to make improvements and renovations to the campus. Photo by Emily Rasmussen www.theedgelb.com
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the list continued
The women’s volleyball tournament in Long Beach is the final qualifier for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.
Photo credit: Asics.
And more movies
Alfredo’s isn’t the only location in the city showing movies this summer. Lola’s Outdoor Retro Cinema will be showing eight movies in an interesting location: a cemetary. The films will screen at Sunnyside Cemetery, 1095 E. Willow St. Tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door with $1 for each ticket being donated to the cemetery. For more information on shows and times, go to thefridainema.org.
But wait, there’s more movies
Movies in the park is organized by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine and sponsored by Signal Hill Petroleum in cooperation with Partners of Parks. The free movies will screen in parks throughout the city. Also, Shoreline Symphonic Winds will play live before the park movies on selected dates. Concerts begin at 7 and movies around 8 o’clock. For more information, go to lbparks.org.
Pirate Invasion of Belmont Pier
Costumed pirates and mermaids, yes, mermaids, will take over Belmont Pier on June 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the 25th and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 26th.
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Long Beach Sand Sculpture Art and Music Festival It’s going on its 84th year! Granada Beach is the place to be to see seven professional sand sculptures and for you to try your hand at sand sculpturing. To register, visit www. lbsandcastle.com
Strike up the band
For the 107th year, the Long Beach Municipal Band, the oldest municipally-sponsored band west of the Mississippi, will play for six weeks this summer and add a new venue – Drake Park. This year’s schedule begins June 28 and goes through Aug. 5 with concerts Tuesdays through Friday. On Tuesdays, the band will play its first two weeks at Whaley Park, 5620 Atherton St; on July 1216, Bluff Park, at Ocean Avenue and Junipero Avenue will be the band’s location. Finally on Aug. 2, the band will play at Drake Park, 951 Marine Ave. Otherwise, Wednesday concerts are at Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Ave.; Thursdays at Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way; and Friday at El Dorado Park West, at the intersection of Willow Street and Studebaker Road.
Much more music
There is music everywhere in Long Beach this summer. For example, Rancho Los Cerritos will have free concerts at its location, 4600 Virginia Rd, on June 26 and July 24. Concerts start at 5:30 p.m. Go to rancholoscerritos.org for more information. You can also find
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concerts at El Dorado Park West (562.570.5555 for more information), El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring St. ($3 donation), Concerts at The Beach (email laura.romero@csulb. edu for more information), Museum of Latin American Art at 628 Alamitos Ave. will have a summer series with the theme En La Noche from June through August. Reservations are required (562.437.1689 or www.molaa. org).
Go see a play
The Go Fame Youth Theatre Company is presenting “Bye Bye Birdie” on July 9-10 and July 16-17 at the University Theater on the Cal State Long Beach campus. Order tickets online at www. GO-FAME.org or call 562.884.7077
World-class volleyball
The ASICS World Series of Volleyball returns to Long Beach Aug. 23-28. Olympic gold medalist Kerry Walsh Jennings says that outside the Olympics “this is the biggest event in the world.” How’s that for an endorsement? For more information, visit www.WSOBV.com
You haven’t been to the Aquarium?
The Horses and Dragons exhibit is replacing the sea jellies touch tank. It features a dozen species of seahorses and seadragons. The exhibit will be
at the aquarium until March 31. Also debuting is the vanishing animals exhibit where threatened species will be on display. If that isn’t enough to get you over to 100 Aquarium Way, then how about: The Pacific Islander Festival on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. World Ocean Day on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Long Beach Chorale Summer Concert on June 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blue Whale Gala on June 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 Late Night and BBQ from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. To buy tickets and for more information, visit www. aquariumofpacific.org
And don’t forget –The Romanian
World Championship of Performing Arts Showcase, July 9 at the Homeland Cultural Center. The Uptown Latin Jazz Festival on June 11 The 68th Catalina ski race on July 16 Dragon Boat Festival on July 30-31 Long Beach Jazz Festival on Aug. 1214 Long Beach Triathlon Aug. 16 For information on all these events and more go to the 100 Days website at 100daysofsummer.org.
// JUNE 1 - JUNE 7, 2016 // selection of functional and sculptural contemporary ceramics from the collection of Richard Oelschlaeger. The artists’ creations in clay are local, regional, statewide and national in significance.
Queen Mary Sunday Brunch at the Queen Mary
$49.95 per adult, $19.95 for children 12 and under Prices on holidays and special events are $59.95 Adults & $19.95 Kids. $7 parking with validation (up to 3 hours) $12 all-day valet parking with validation | 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Queen Mary Wrapped in the elegant grace of the Grand Salon and featuring live entertainment, the Champagne Sunday Brunch has the air of a royal soiree and is anything but typical. Free flowing champagne, live music and a tantalizing signature menu that is sure to please even the most discerning palates, makes the Queen Mary Champagne Sunday Brunch a Long Beach tradition that cannot be missed.
High School Exhibition – Displacement: Where Do We Belong?
April 7 – May 29 | $7 | “For this year’s High School Exhibition, LBUSD high school students were asked to create an original work of art that depicts their understanding of displacement.”
Museum of Latin American Art MOLAA at TWENTy
Now–January 1, 2017 | $10 | MOLAA Celebrating its 20th anniversary and recent accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), MOLAA presents its largest comprehensive Permanent Collection exhibition to date. Learn about the Museum’s founding and be inspired by MOLAA’s Modern and Contemporary Latin American art collection. MOLAA at Twenty showcases founding collection highlights, emergent collections of new media, and art of the Latino diaspora that includes U.S. Latino and Chicano art.
Aquarium of the Pacific Blue Whale Gala
6:30 pm - 11 p.m.| Aquarium of the Pacific $500 per seat Save the date for the Aquarium of the Pacific’s most elegant and inspirational event of the year, the Blue Whale Gala. The funds raised support the Aquarium’s ocean education and conservation programs and exhibits.
Long Beach Chorale Summer Concert: Music in the Key of the Sea
Aquarium of the Pacific $30 for adults, $18 for students and children ages 3-11 The Long Beach Chorale returns to the Aquarium for their summer concert, Music in the Key of Sea. Featuring 50 voices and accompanied by projected video, the Chorale will perform a program of ocean and marine life-themed music with the Aquarium’s Honda Blue Cavern exhibit as the backdrop. The chorale’s assistant director and pianist, Beth Syverson, will conduct the program.
Shark Lagoon Nights
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Aquarium of the Pacific Most Fridays, some exclusions apply The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon.
Saturday Family Fun: Sea Jellies
10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Saturday| $49 per child/adult pair nonmembers, $36 per child/adult pair members Come to the Aquarium to introduce your preschool student to marine life. Another in a series of parent, me and fish classes, the Saturday Family Fun program is created
for 4- to 6-year-olds with an adult. These classes are designed for a parent and child to interact together in a fun and dynamic learning environment.
Long Beach Museum of Art Beyond the Frame: New Media Arts from Taiwan
March 11 - June 19 | $7 An innovative exhibition featuring new media artists who continually evolve their creative practice with rapid advances in media technology.
Transformed by Fire
March 11 – June 12 | $7 | The museum is proud to present Transformed by Fire: A Collection of Contemporary Ceramics, a diverse
MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL / ARTVENTURE TARGET FREE SUNDAY
June 12 | FREE Kick off the summer season with a family event that highlights the cultural diversity found here in Long Beach! MOLAA’s Multicultural festival will highlight a variety of community partners, music, foods, languages, and traditions. Enjoy live music performances, art workshops, craft vendors and face painting. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Schedule listed at MOLAA.org
LATIN RHYTHMS: AZTEC DANCE & CULTURE CLASS
June 17 | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $10 “Explore the ancient dance tradition of Danza. Instructor Mateo Bailo, will teach you the dance steps, history and music of the Aztec civilization.”
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FEATURE - SPECIAL REPORT
Ken McDonald grows – and shrinks – Long Beach Transit CEO believes his company, along with the port, the airport and the city can make Long Beach an even better place to live Editors note: This is the first of a four-part series where the chief executives of Long Beach Transit, the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Airport and the city talk about working better together.
K
en McDonald remembers coming to Long Beach to interview for the chief executive officer position at Long Beach Transit. At the time, he was assistant vice president of Transit and Rail Systems with Parsons Brinckerhoff International. He got on a bus going downtown, but somehow ended up at the Queen Mary. “I looked across the water, and said to myself, ‘my God, this is one of the best kept secrets in Southern California.’ ” What attracted McDonald was that the transportation company was medium-sized. “And it was pretty stable and had excellent leadership for the previous 30 years, and I thought I could come in and help the organization and help it to grow,” he says. Three years later, McDonald has helped LBT to grow, but also to shrink – its carbon footprint. “We are moving to having a cleaner fleet by 2020,” he says. We want to have our vehicles be 90 percent CNG (certified natural gas) or battery electric buses.” In fact, the company will be getting the first of its 10 purchased electric buses on June 10 with the other nine scheduled to be delivered by August. The buses will be tested for 30 days before passengers are allowed.
by Gary Metzker
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Long Beach Transit moved almost 29 million passengers last year through Long Beach and 12 other cities in Los Angeles County. And while McDonald does not see any significant increases in ridership, he does anticipate more coordination between passengers who also use bicycles to get around the city. Long Beach is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. “We have bike racks on our buses,” McDonald says, “and we would like to collaborate more with the biking community to encourage bike riders to use the bus to move around the city more efficiently.” Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, McDonald earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and his master’s in technology management at Southern Polytechnic State University in Georgia. He spent 20 years with Atlanta’s Rapid Transit Authority and three years at San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency as chief operating officer. McDonald is a hands-on type of leader: “I think I really enjoy the interaction with employees and with customers,” he says. As part of that philosophy, McDonald like to ride the bus –at least two or three times a month. He wants to know what issues the drivers are having as well as what is working and what isn’t. “I like the feel of the service we provide
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FEATURE - SPECIAL REPORT
and I want to understand what is going on in the service we provide,” he says. “I just try to get on board, talk to people and get an operator’s perspective.” Recently, McDonald was part of a delegation that went to Washington, D.C., that included Mayor Robert Garcia, Juan Lopez-Rios, the interim airport director and Jon Slangerup, the CEO of the Port of Long Beach. The topic of discussion was “Better Together” – a discussion on how these four entities in Long Beach can better communicate and collaborate to make the city a better place. “One thing we all understand – the port, airport, Long Beach Transit and the city – is that we all have an impact on
the economy,” McDonald says. “Working together, we will lift all of us. For example, the port has been going electric. We are going electric and the airport is changing its lighting to more efficient LED lighting. Lots of things we are doing are going to help with the goals of clean air, clean technology and sustainability. We are not reinventing the wheel, but we are sharing information with each other. We are trying to figure out what can we do together? How can we contribute to the economic viability of the city? For our part, our goal is to have 100 alternative fuel buses working; our goal is to put clean air into every city we serve.”
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entertainment
60 million people can’t be wrong Randolph Churchill helps celebrate RMS Queen Mary’s 80th anniversary
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he legendary Royal Mail Ship Queen Mary celebrated a major milestone on May 27 for this was the 80th anniversary of the maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1936. Little did they know, at the time, what adventures would await the fastest and most spectacular ocean liner of the day. The media had an opportunity to preview a new documentary about the illustrious history of the ‘grey ghost’ albeit with a special introduction of another rather well-known name, Randolph Churchill – the great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. For this reporter, the occasion was rather sentimental as my family including yours truly) sailed from Southampton to New York aboard the RMS Queen Mary in May of 1965. And, of course, Sir Winston Churchill was voyage, in a co-production for BBC Scotland, BBC Four and Smithsonian Channel. Churchill is interviewed in the documentary and at one point quips that the Queen Mary was a “damn sight better, really . . .” when asked if the ship was Britain’s equivalent of Air Force One at the time. The documentary explores the life of the Clyde-built ship that was an art-deco playground for America’s Hollywood elite, a troop carrier that brought an Army to Europe, and used by Churchill frequently during the Second World War as he traveled to meet with Allied forces. Viewers will learn that the liner played such a key role during the Second World War that Adolf Hitler offered a bonus of £250,000 and the Iron Cross to any
by Terrry Miller
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indeed one of Great Britain’s most beloved politicians. My father was promoted to foreign correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph, one of the UK’s largest daily newspapers and the entire Miller clan was whisked away via the Queen Mary to new adventures in New York. The epic five-day crossing was the most remarkable voyage of my life (the Atlantic certainly wasn’t in a good mood that May . . .) however my younger brother and I didn’t get seasick and in fact had the run of the ship as most passengers and staff were seasick and confined to their staterooms. Talking to others who traveled on the ship all said the same thing . . . it was always a rough crossing, partially, due to the lack of advanced stabilizers that modern ships boast. The documentary marks the 80th anniversary of the legendary ocean liner the RMS Queen Mary’s maiden U-boat captain who could sink the Queen Mary. Built in Clydebank, the liner was an engineering marvel which, during its wartime service, safely transported more than 800,000 Allied personnel to Europe, followed by thousands of war brides and families. Viewers will hear from some of the Queen Mary’s first passengers, troops who traveled on the ship, and past crew members who tell about the glories of this wonder of the seas. The documentary will also explore the ship’s darkest day when, on Oct. 2, 1942, it accidentally collided with the HMS Curacoa, her escort vessel, slicing her in two. Ordered not to stop under any circumstances, the captain of the Queen Mary had no choice
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but to steam on leaving 338 men to drown. After the war, the liner continued in service up until 1967 and is now a floating luxury hotel and museum docked in a custom made lagoon in Long Beach. In addition to the celebrations of the Maiden Voyage, Randolph Churchill also dedicated a new exhibit of his great grandfather’s paintings. No other ship of its era remains in public service, or is recognized around the world for its engineering and design advances, or continues to attract thousands of visitors each month as does the esteemed Queen Mary (www. queenmary.com).
Launched by King George V and his consort Queen Mary on Scotland’s River Clyde in 1934, the world’s most advanced passenger ship of the time endured over two years of fitting-out before making its debut on the world stage. It is estimated that over 60 million people have been personally touched by the ship since that premiere sailing – or Maiden Voyage.
TOP: The Queen Mary rests in its permanent home at Long Beach since 1967 - Photo by Terry Miller The Queen Mary on its maiden voyage leaves Southampton in 1936 headed for New York, via Cherbourg, France. - Historic Image Courtesy Queen Mary ABOVE : 92 year old B17 Pilot, Bob Hastie chats with Randolph Churchill in the Engine Room of RMS Queen Mary Wednesday May 25 - Photo by Terry Miller
BUSINESS
Shipping containers can’t contain the excitement The butcher, the brewer, but not the candlestick maker, are coming to Steelcraft next month
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n San Francisco, shipping containers are repurposed into ice cream parlors, coffee shops and beer gardens. In Asheville, North Carolina, the Smokey Park Supper Club restaurant is built using 19 shipping containers. These eateries and drinkeries are popping up all over the United States, and internationally as well – in London, Las Vegas, Louisville Kentucky, just to name a few. While they are all unique in what they serve and how they are designed, each location shares a goal to use space efficiently in a way that reflects their own city's quirky characteristics. Early next month, at the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Bixby Road, Steelcraft is coming to Long Beach. Steelcraft is a project started and organized by Kim Gros and part owner Jesse Krohmer. Gros is a born and raised Long Beach local, who does human resource work for a medical company in Orange County. "They [the other eateries like Steelcraft] are really trying to utilize resources or brick and mortars that really hit their culture,” Gros says. “Long Beach is the second largest port in the country, so it makes sense that we would use shipping containers for more than just importing or exporting. We can use it to build a restaurant, a taproom, and create a really great community space. "We pride ourselves in three things,” Gros says. “When we invite vendors, we think about what we agree with and what resonates with them as well.
by Olivia Otsuki
Community – a space where people get to know and enjoy one another, neighbors come to spend time together. We are all about the craft. We are bringing the best craft to the community; we want everything to be made with thoughtfulness. The third is restoration – creating a new story from something old. Sustainability and restoration." Steelcraft will utilize several shipping containers to create a center for a variety of businesses that are all chosen around the community's interests. So far, the business lineup includes Smog City Brewing Co. from Torrance, Working Class Kitchen from Long Beach, Steelhead Coffee from Long Beach, Tajima Ramen from San Diego, Waffle Love from Provo, Utah, Pitfire Artisan Pizza from Venice and Thacker Farms from Long Beach. The businesses are just as excited as the locals about the opening of Steelcraft. "Neighborhoods these days are starving for a central social hub and I think Steelcraft will be that for the Bixby area,” says Laurie Porter, Smog City cofounder with her husband [what is her husband’s name??]. Smog City is just so proud to be involved and part of that. It's central to our own brand and company mentality – for us, craft beer is infinitely more than what's in the pint; it's the quality of the product first, but then it's also the experience [and conversation] around the beer, the environment the memories create, and with that sort of continues on pg.14
Steelcraft is currently being built at Long Beach Boulevard and Bixby Road with shipping containers. www.theedgelb.com
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calendar
WED 6/1
WEDNESDAY, June 1
A Walk In The Woods At International City Theatre | Beverly O’Neill Theater| 300 E. Ocean Blvd.| $35-$55 Check out Lee Blessing’s thrilling political play! “Nearing the end of the Cold War, a pair of arms negotiators — a clever, cynical Russian and an idealistic young American — step away from the bargaining table to meet in the woods outside Geneva for a series of talks to explore the obstacles their countries face on the path to peace. There, they debate politics, the future of the free world, the nature of mankind, and the very survival of humanity. Can they find a common place between the politics that divide us and the humanity that unites us?”
Free Workshop for Small Business Owners |5:30 p.m. -7 p.m.|100 Oceangate Drive Suite P200 “ Workshop for small business owners on how to place ads and get stories published in media outlets. “ This workshop is by HLR Media and food and beverages will be provided.
Salsa Dancing Lessons at Cafe Sevilla|8 p.m. -10p.m.|140 Pine Ave.|Cover Charges May Apply Come solo or come with a partner! Learn how to salsa dance with renowned instructors inside of Cafe Sevilla. Remember, it’s all in the hips.
THU 6/2
THURSDAY, June 2
Art Gathering L.A. Aboard the Queen Mary| June 2nd 7 p.m. - June 5th |$30-$114.75| Get cultured at The Queen! Art Gathering brings their multimedia art show aboard the Queen Mary for a voyage into a one-ofa-kind art experience: 400 of the world’s
leading tattooists, paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, cars, and motorcycles on display.
FRI 6/3
FRIDAY, June 3
Snapback Long Beach | 10 p.m. | Free before 11 p.m., $5 after | The Federal Underground, 102 Pine Ave. “Throwback Hip Hop / R&B classics”
Shark Lagoon Nights 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Aquarium of the Pacific | Most Fridays, some exclusions apply “The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon.”
SAT 6/4
SATURDAY, June 4
Long Beach Vegan Fest |11 a.m.7p.m.|Rainbow Lagoon Park 295 E Shoreline Drive|FREE Music, food, art installations, and earth and animal-friendly merchants! With beer gardens and a vegan chili cook off as well, Vegans and carnivores alike can enjoy this Vegan Fest. SHIPKICKER- THE QUEEN MARY’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL | 1 p.m. - 11 p.m.| 1126 Queens Highway|$45 online and in advance, $55 day of and at door| The Queen Mary goes country! Easton Corbin headlines while Clare Dunn, Dylan Scott, Scotty Mac Band, Honey County and Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide also play. Line dancing lessons, food vendors, a beer garden, cocktails and yard-games also included.
SEASON FINALE: TCHAIKOVSKY’S FOURTH|8 p.m. - 10 p.m.| 300 E. Ocean Blvd.|$49-$85 The Long Beach Symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s Fourth.
Pacific Islander Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific |9 a.m. - 5 p.m.| 100 Aquarium Way|Included with General Admission (prices vary), Free to Aquarium members & 20 percent off to their guests Get in touch with various cultures (including Hawaiian, Marshallese, Chamoru, Tahitian, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan, and Maori) with the Pacific Islander Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Live entertainment, music, dance, and most importantly, ethnic cuisine!
SCUBA SHOW 2016 Times Vary |300 E Ocean Blvd|Admission $10 - $59 Film festivals,exhibitors, seminars, and clinics for the scuba diving aficionado.
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| June 1 - June 7, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com
SUN 6/5
SUNDAY, June 5th
JDRF One Walk Check-in 8:30 a.m. Starts 10 a.m.|386 E Shoreline Drive|Donation Walk and raise money for a good cause (The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) in this 5K. Food trucks, Kids Zone, music, and Celtic Gold Irish Dancers will be present.
MON 6/6
MONDAY, June 6th
Trivia Night at Willmore 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Willmore Wine Bar 3848 Atlantic Ave. Competitive trivia and great wine will have you coming back again and again.
Graffiti Murals Workshop 6 p.m. | Homeland Cultural Center, 1321 E. Anaheim St. Get a taste for the culture of street art
calendar
SAT 6/11
TUESDAY, June 7th
SATURDAY, June 11th
Monday, June 13th
MON 6/13
Friday, June 17th
Lunch Break Yoga
En la Noche at MOLAA
Whale Dolphin And Sea Life Cruises
MARAT/SADE
Noon - 12:45 p.m.| Promenade Square, First Street and the Promenade| FREE Ugh, your boss won’t stop breathing down your neck and that TPS report deadline is looming! Relax and unwind at this free community yoga class where local experts share their time and body-bending yoga knowledge with you.
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.|628 Alamitos Ave.|PRESALE Members $15, Non-Members $20 AT THE DOOR Members $20, Non- Members $25| En la Noche is MOLAA’s popular music series that showcases the LA Latin music scene. En la Noche offers (besides great music with the museum as a backdrop) cash bar, food trucks, photo booth, and access to MOLAA’s exhibits and galleries. Can’t miss!
Noon - 3 p.m. | #2 at 100 Aquarium Way| $12 “Ride into the open Pacific Ocean to search for Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions, and other marine life. Enjoy great family fun in our double deck vessels, which provide outstanding views from all locations.” http://www.visitlongbeach.com/events/ whale-dolphin-and-sea-life-cruises/
LA Cosplay Con
Tuesday, June 14th
8 p.m.| 5021 E. Anaheim St.| $20 Taking place following the French Revolution, this play-within-a-play delves into political intrigue and dark humor, as a revolution of the mind develops against the powers-thatbe that run the asylum. The fight against suppression and freedom of thought is brought to life through brilliant dialogue and the passion of the disenfranchised. http://www.lbplayhouse.org/show/ maratsade/
TUE 6/7
WED 6/8
WEDNESDAY, June 8th
International City Theatre Presents “Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike” 8 p.m. |300 E. Ocean Blvd.| $34 One of the most lauded and beloved Broadway plays of recent years, Christopher Durang’s witty mash-up of Chekhov characters and smartphones is a delightful new comedy for our hyperconnected era. Chekhov? Check-it-out! It’s preview night on the 8th, so get tix for this night while they’re cheaper!
THU 6/9
THURSDAY, June 9th
Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp, and Sports Collectible Show June 9-June 11| 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (5 p.m. close time June 11)| 300 E. Ocean Blvd.|FREE If you love coins, currency, stamps, and sports collectibles, this is definitely an event I’d assume you already have penciled into your calendar!
FRI 6/10
FRIDAY, June 10
Saint Maria Goretti Parish Summer Festival June 10th- June 12th|Noon - 11 p.m|3945 Palo Verde Ave.| $20 for 32 ride tickets, $1 each Food and Bev tickets Food booths, live music, silent auctions, bingo, and a chance to win $2500 from this local church’s annual carnival! Free Parking, too, so it’s guaranteed to be a good time. If interested in volunteering or donating, please contact Bryan Stimpson at (562)685-4594.
11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | 300 East Ocean Blvd. | free for kids 12 and under) - $40| The somewhat oddly named cosplay convention is a one day family friendly event filled with fun activities throughout the day for all ages. Panels, professional cosplay guests, vendors, comics, video game competitions and more. Cosplay competition and of course, an after party. https://www.facebook.com/lacosplaycon/ photos/a.211655189037166.1073741827.21165342 9037342/446334408902575/?type=3&theater
TUE 6/14
Harbor Tours 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.| #2 at 100 Aquarium Way| $12 “You will learn history about the harbor as well as see the beautiful Long Beach skyline, California Sea Lions playing in the harbor, the world-famous Queen Mary, large cargo and container ships from all over the world, and much more!”
THU 6/16
East Village Walking Tour
Thursday, June 16th
starts at 10 a.m. | Begins at corner of Ocean Boulevard and Linden Avenue in front of Modica’s Deli | $10 Learn about the history of Long Beach on this interesting walk! Walk is about a mile to a mile and a half long.
Global Day of Discovery Beer Garden, Entertainment & More
Long Beach Symphony: Sounds & Spaces concert at Rainbow Harbor 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | 330 S. Pine Ave. | FREE Joined by radio personality Kimberlea Daggy as narrator, the Long Beach Symphony Chamber Players bring you Delvyn Case’s captivating piece ‘Lighthouse Keeper: The Story of Abbey Burgess.’ Settle in with the kids to hear a story about a brave teenage girl who keeps the lighthouse lamps burning during a fierce storm.” Petting Zoo, too!
4 p.m. - 10 p.m.| 111 E. Ocean Blvd. | $20 Every Renaissance Hotel across the globe will be hosting a their own “Global Day of Discovery” where each hotel joins in and provides a day full of discovery. The Long Beach Renaissance involves craft beer tastings, menu tastings and music & entertainment.
FRI 6/17
Greaseland Rockabilly Burlesque Starts at 9 p.m.|201 E. Broadway Ave.| $15-$25 “The Greaseland Rockabilly Burlesque Show is a fun & sexy high energy 50’s Rockabilly Revival Show with a wild twist! It’s very hot steamy fun Burlesque Show with some of the most beautiful dancers on Earth letting loose to good ole’ American Rock n Roll Music!” http://longbeach.harvelles.com/event. cfm?cart&id=235775
Vol-B-Que Noon - 7 p.m. | 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd. | $30 Enjoy grass court volleyball games, music, food, costumes, contests & giveaways, volleyball VIPs, face painting and more in support of the USA Women’s National Volleyball team!
SUN 6/12
Sunday, June 12th
21st Annual Dia de San Juan Festival 10 a.m - 7 p.m. | Rainbow Lagoon Park, East Shoreline Drive | $15-$80, prices vary Puerto Rican Festival! This culture festival will feature food as well as music from: Senora Poncena, Echo Park Project, Las Divas Del Swing, Fito Vasquez Y Su Orquesta, MC Ralph Lardi, DJ Willie, DJ Tumbao. http://www.fiestalegre.net The Pacific Islander festival will be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Photo Courtesy: aquariumofpacific.org www.theedgelb.com
| June 1 - June 7, 2016 |
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Business CONTINUED positive engagement entire communities form and thrive." In celebration of this space-to-be, Smog City has brewed a special batch for Steelcraft. "We've brewed up a special Long Beach only beer called SteelCraft IPA to celebrate our new taproom and to thank the locals. Brewed with many of our favorite hops: Citra, Centennial, mosaic and Simcoe, SteelCraft IPA is all about the balance and drinkability," says Porter. For Adam Terry, proprietor of Waffle Love, Steelcraft will be his sixth location, his first in California. He was originally drawn to Steelcraft by Gros's inspiring vision of community, "I love her priority of community, it was our local community that gave birth to our dreams coming true," Terry says. Some of the Long Beach special menu items are still cooking, but Terry says, "We will be right next to the coffee shop so we will be good buddies for sure. Coffee
and a waffle are so good!" he says. That is the way that Gros intended the relationships to be between all the vendors – a collaborative effort that creates new and unique recipes and ideas. "That is the beauty of it! They are all very different and they can be resourceful in that way in combining each others’ products and their food, but also they're different from one another, so there is a wide selection," says Gros. For example, "If someone were to marinate their meat in really great beer, they can work with Smog City. Coffee and beer can be partnered or used simultaneously in a product," says Gros. Each of the vendors has their own, personalized full kitchens inside of the shipping containers. "It's been really cool because we have a great architect on site and our architect has met with each of our vendors and designed each
Save the Date The H.A.R.P. Awards
Helping. Angels. Receive. Praise Saturday June 11th 2016 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recreation Park 4900 E. 7th Street Long Beach, CA 90804
For tickets, contact (562)443-2152 or email harpproductions@gmail.com
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| June 1 - June 7, 2016 | www.theedgelb.com
Steelcraft is currently being built at Long Beach Boulevard and Bixby Road with shipping containers. of their kitchens,” Gros says. "I feel like this is going to really rejuvenate and add life to the community." As far as entertainment goes, a small stage has been built, and there will be different podcasts like "Yanks Call It Soccer," art shows, music, and there is more to come. "We want the space to be used by the community to enrich it,” Gros says. “We want to celebrate with other the things we value . . . the space is celebratory, a place to praise work
done by other people." Steelcraft will be open seven days a week. "We will open at 6 a.m. for coffee, and beer will close us out at 10 p.m." says Gros. For more updates, follow Steelcraft on Instagram @steelcraftlb. Contact Olivia:
/oliviaotsuki /oliviaotsukii /oliviaotsuki
www.otsukio.wordpress.com
ARTIST OF THE WEEK
An art festival like no other This weekend’s Art Gathering on the Queen Mary will feature fine art, tattoos, performance artists and DJs
T
hree years ago, gallery owners, curators, artists, and collectors from all aspects of the art world came together and created a group called New Era Arts Group. The ever-changing art world was moving in different directions, and the boundaries of low art and high art were blending once again. One of the crossroads of low art and high art is the art of tattoos. Once seen as biker, sailor, or gang member emblems, tattoos are now considered artwork, with skin no different than canvas. “Over the last seven years we have seen a huge influx of fine art tattoo collectors get interested in collecting tattoo work,” says Michael Keith, founder of the Art Gathering. “Now seven years later they are running out of room on the skin, but have open space on their walls. These folks typically do not go to a regular art ‘fair.’ Our customer enjoys an immersive art experience. Art Gathering is the first ‘art fair’ to take this approach.” This year’s Art Gathering will be held Thursday through Sunday on the Queen Mary, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Tickets start at $25 for one day, and $60 for all three days. Children 16 and under get in for free.
by Olivia Otsuki
“What makes Art Gathering unique is it’s a curated, multi-media art event that has combined the fine art world alongside the world of tattoo alongside large Burning Man style installations that are interactive and become ambient texturizing fixtures when the sun goes down. Add in the performance artists and punk luminary DJ’s and you end up with an art festival like no other on the West Coast,” says Keith. Eight months before the show, artists from around the world submit their portfolios for review. About 400 artists have been selected for this weekend’s event. Here are a few artist profiles: Gregorio Escalante Gregorio Escalante is one of the founders of Juxtapoz magazine, an art collector and a gallery owner. He has been running galleries for over 20 years, and in September 2015, he opened another gallery, Gregorio Escalante Gallery at 978 Chung King Road in Los Angeles. Growing up, Escalante didn’t particularly like school, but in his family, the path in life was to get a higher education, followed by a job. “I was surfing a lot and didn’t really want to go to college. I didn’t really like school,” says Escalante. He atcontinues on pg.16
TOP: Carlos Torres, tattoo artist’s fine artwork. ABOVE: - Carlos Torres, Long Beach tattoo and fine artist, tattoos intricate black and white tattoo designs at Timeline Gallery in San Pedro. www.theedgelb.com
| June 1 - June 7, 2016 |
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artist of the week
tended college, and while there, he began taking ceramics classes. He discovered that he really enjoyed himself and his interest for art grew. He found what was taught as art in school was intellectual, dry, and boring. However, one day, he came across Robert William’s artwork on the cover of Trasher, a skate magazine. He called the magazine to see where he could purchase a print of these surreal, psychedelic landscapes. One phone call led to another, and in 1993, Williams asked him for help to create a magazine called “Art? Alternative,” which was an art counterculture magazine featuring low brow art, comics and underground art. Eventually, in 1994, Williams, Escalante and a group of other artists and curators transitioned into founding Juxtapoz, an arts and culture magazine. “I just sort of fell into the art scene,” says Escalante. Slowly, he discovered new types of art that spoke to him, rather than the stuff that was taught in schools. He would go to Underground Zero One gallery on Melrose Avenue and he liked the way people dressed and talked, as opposed to how he had previously envisioned the art world as stuffy and boring. He witnessed all of the biggest art movements in Los Angeles, including Banksy’s 2006 “Elephant in the Room” exhibit. “I can remember it like it was just yesterday,” says Escalante. This underground art scene was exciting and captivating, and he liked that art that was considered low brow was immersed with the world of tattoos, skating, and surfing. “The art gets right to the roots rather than filtered through museums, art critics, what’s taught in school,” says Escalante on the Art Gathering this weekend. At the Art Gathering, Escalante will bring a range of his genre of pop surrealists and figurative representations; some artists
he will feature are Blek Le rat, Shepherd Fairy and Chaz Bojorquez. Carlos Torres “I grew up in Gardena, I’ve been living in Long Beach for 14 years now,” says Torres, a professional tattoo and fine artist. He currently tattoos at Timeline Gallery in San Pedro. “I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but I didn’t know I would get into tattooing, and it was something that I fell into.” Tattooing came before his fine art talents. He learned through trial and error, and any friends that would let him tattoo. “At the time no one could take me on as an apprentice. So I just had someone help me buy a kit and started learning like that,” he says. Many of his tattoos, often black and white, feature women in dark, surreal settings. Similarly, his fine art prints feature a beautiful woman in nature, or in surreal, dream-like settings. “I guess anything with like a pretty woman is always pleasing to the eye, a little bit of beauty, avant garde type stuff,” says Torres. He was, and is, still inspired by one of his favorite tattoo artists, Robert Hernandez. “He is somebody I watched and learned from his style. He does a lot of surreal type of imagery and he has always been one of my favorites in the tattoo world,” says Torres. “I like the idea of them pushing more art on this as opposed to before, where it had a lot to do with cars and bands. [I like] mixing and making an Art Basel kind of thing in Long Beach,” says Torres. To purchase tickets and to learn which artists will be in each of the exhibits at the Queen Mary, check the website: www. artgatheringla.com Contact Olivia:
/oliviaotsuki /oliviaotsukii /oliviaotsuki
www.otsukio.wordpress.com
ABOVE LEFT: Ron english - Ron English, one of the many artists who will be featured at the Art Gathering, with his mural Poultry Rex in Spain. ABOVE RIGHT: Carlos Torres - One of the hundreds of internationally acclaimed tattoo artists who will be at the Art Gathering. ABOVE: Gregorio Escalante, one of the founders of Juxtapoz magazine, art collector and gallery owner.