Local Long Beach

Long Beach Annual Christmas Parade in Belmont Shores

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:54:00 +0000

The Long Beach community of Belmont Shore was transformed into a winter wonderland this weekend, as marching bands, floats and Santa Claus himself proceeded down 2nd street for the 29th Annual Christmas Parade. While the parade was the main attraction, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the larger-than-life santa hat atop the Farmers and Merchants Bank booth. The booth served as a real-life embodiment of the bank’s Merry Christmas billboard at the entrance of Belmont Shore, which features a Buick-sized Santa Hat that is 5-feet tall and 10-feet long.

In addition to donning the largest Santa Hat on 2nd Street, the F&M booth passed out a fair share of standard sized hats to adults, children, and even pets.

Plastic Bag Changes Coming to Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:10:00 +0000

LONG BEACH: Big businesses will switch to reusable sacks Aug. 1, smaller stores Jan. 1.

By Kristopher Hanson Staff Writer

LONG BEACH — Businesses across the city are gearing up for a plastic bag ban that begins Aug. 1, but its long-term impact on customers and retailers remains unknown.

The ban, enacted by the City Council in May, makes Long Beach the 12th city or county in California to enact restrictions on plastic bags since San Francisco launched the first ordinance in 2007.

The measure takes effect in two phases. About 66 larger retailers, such as supermarkets, drug-store chains and stores including Target and Walmart, are banned from distributing the bags beginning Aug. 1, with an estimated 2,000 smaller corner markets, liquor stores and others impacted Jan. 1.

Businesses not offering perishable foods, such as clothiers and sporting goods outlets, are exempt.

The city enacted the law to reduce litter and lessen environmental harm to wildlife, beaches and waterways.

“We’ve estimated there are roughly 1,600 (lightweight) plastic bags used per household every year in Long Beach, and maybe 5 percent are recycled,” said Jim Kuhl, manager of Long Beach’s Environmental Services Bureau. “These bags end up on our streets, on our beaches, storm drains. We expect this (ordinance) to help tremendously with our ongoing efforts to reduce litter throughout Long Beach and further the community’s environmental sustainability programs.”

The new Long Beach law is crafted largely from a similar ban recently enacted in unincorporated Los Angeles County.

“We’ve seen estimates that about 19 billion single-use plastic bags are distributed in California each year,” Kuhl said. “It creates a huge waste problem, with these bags blowing through the streets and filling up landfills.”

The ban also imposes a 10-cent fee on paper shopping bags, which will be available at some stores. Single-use plastic bags that consumers have stored away can continue to be used without penalty.

However, the goal is to encourage shoppers to use the reusable bags already sold or given away at most supermarkets and other retailers.

The city has distributed about 62,000 reusable bags to residents in the past 15 years and plans to continue distributing the totes in coming years.

Retailers have also announced a number of free or low-cost giveaways of reusable bags in recent months in anticipation of the ban.

Target stores in Long Beach, for example, will offer free reusable bags to all consumers on Aug. 1 and will sell them for 50 cents each through Aug. 31, the chain has announced.

The city’s five Vons supermarkets, meanwhile, will be offering 15,000 reusable bags to shoppers who spend at least $25 at their stores beginning July 29, store officials said.

A study by the United Nations Environment Program estimates reusable bags can be used more than 150 times, though life-span varies by the material used to make the bag. Bags are most frequently manufactured from canvas, cotton or woven synthetic fibers, though some are crafted from hemp, which carries anti-mildew properties, the UN agency noted.

Naveen Choda, owner of Eddie’s Jr. Market in the 2300 block of Pacific Coast Highway, one of those affected by the Jan. 1 deadline, said he welcomed the initiative.

“We pay quite a bit for these plastic bags, and they’re terrible for the environment,” Choda said. “We’re way behind the curve on this. Other countries have had restrictions like this for years, but at least (city officials are) finally putting something in effect. I’m sick of seeing (plastic bags) blowing around the parking lot, in the street, on the beach. We need to take better care of our planet.”

Choda plans to offer customers paper bags or sell reusable bags for a small fee.

“We’ll start letting people know about the program in the next few months, and I’m encouraging them to bring in their own bags,” Choda said. “Some will complain, but they’ll adapt.”

Vivian Rodriguez, who was shopping at an Albertson’s store in downtown Long Beach on a recent afternoon, had mixed feelings, saying it would be inconvenient, though should help reduce trash.

“I guess I’m for it, but we’ll have to keep those reusable bags stashed in the car so we don’t end up paying for new ones every time we go shopping,” Rodriguez said. “I’m already stockpiling (single-use) bags because I like to use them for trash can linings and when we take the dog out.”

Public health officials are encouraging shoppers to wash their bags after every few uses and avoid leaving meat exposed inside the bags for long.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is working with the city’s Environmental Services Bureau to ensure residents and businesses understand the new rules and promote free giveaways.

“We’ve already completed all the outreach to the major retailers, and they’re ready to go Aug. 1, but we’ve identified about 2,000 smaller businesses who will be impacted with the second phase on Jan. 1,” Kuhl said. “The health department and our department will divide up areas, visit shopkeepers and explain the ordinance, and we’ll be doing outreach through mail and phone. We want this to go as smooth as possible, so the plan is to try and talk with as many businesses as possible and see what we can do to help them with the transition.”

If Long Beach’s bag ban mirrors similar plans enacted in parts of the United States, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Ireland, United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Germany and elsewhere, the unsightly scene of lightweight plastic bags stuck in trees and bushes, flowing down the Los Angeles River, and blowing across the street may soon be a relic.

A study by environmental groups in Ireland, where a tax on plastic bags was imposed in 2002, showed use of them dropped 94 percent within weeks of the law.

In Washington, D.C., where a 5-cent tax on plastic bags was enacted, the number of bags distributed by food retailers fell from 22.5 million per month to 3.3 million per month, according to Worldwatch Institute, an environmental advocacy group.

Closer to home, in the year after San Francisco banned plastic bags at pharmacies and supermarkets in 2007, the city’s Environmental Department reported businesses distributed 127 million fewer plastic bags and cut overall bag waste reaching the city landfill by up to 10 percent.

The city’s rivers, canals and beaches should also benefit.

Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, says plastic bags are the second most-common form of litter, behind cigarette butts, and are the most common form of litter in the planet’s oceans.

The UN says plastic bags cause the deaths of 100,000 sea turtles and other marine animals that mistake them for food each year.

To learn more about the program, free bag giveaways, affected stores and other litter- reduction programs in Long Beach, visit www.litterfreelb.org.

Halloween in Long Beach!!

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:10:00 +0000

Around town there are plenty of things you can do for Halloween, a couple of highlights:

Starting off Friday night, it is not too late to get in on the fun at the Annual Halloween BOO! thrown by yours truly. It is held down at Berth 55 - the old Queens Wharf Restaurant. It is 250+ people. 21+ please, and of course everyone will be in costume. Live band & DJ, food, tarot cards, etc. If your name is on the list at the door, it will still be $20 (otherwise $25 at door). If you'd like to come, email me your name. If you'd like to pay in advance, the link for that plus the address of the event and all other details can be found at: www.TheLocalCoast.com. See some of you there.

On Saturday night is the 4th Sstreet Zombie Walk III. Get bloodied up and join the undead for a fun walk presented by MondoCelluloid.com and sponsored by GLOBAL Long Beach Arts Month and 4th Street Long Beach! 4th Street will be alive and kicking with zombie festivities all day - businesses from Junipero to Cherry are giving their monthly Last Saturdays event the Undead treatment with live performances, zombie-themed food and drinks, zombie make-up stations, and more. Then meet up with your fellow undead at 8pm at Portfolio Coffee House, 2300 E. 4th Street. At 8:30pm, head down 4th Street! Slow zombies, fast zombies - all are welcome! Finally, watch Edgar Wright's 2004 classic SHAUN OF THE DEAD on a great 35mm print at the historic Art Theatre of Long Beach! Screening is at 9:30pm, giving zombies plenty of time to march down 4th and sneak a few glasses of wine at Art du Vin, or some shots at The Pike!

Finally on Sunday night at Pine & Broadway is Halloween on Pine. A Frightening FREE Halloween Festival from 8 to midnight. Fabulous food and drink specials from your favorite local eateries. Visit participating businesses and dig up ghostly $5 food, drink and merchandise specials all night long. Haunting sights and sounds by DJ Groovy Lu. Diabolical dancing by moonlight. Hair-raising comedy showcase by the Laugh Factory. COSTUME CONTEST! Over $1,000 in prizes: Best Superhero - Best Villain - Best Female Overall - Best Male Overall - Most Outrageous.

Hope everyone has a scary good Halloween weekend.

Halloween Party in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:08:00 +0000

Do you like throwing on that costume and having a frightful good time? On Friday the 29th of this month, yours truly will hold my Annual Halloween BOO in Long Beach, so if you feel like coming to a great party, all the info can be found at www.TheLocalCoast.com . it runs 8pm -2am. It is $20 and that includes food and all the fun you can handle (no host bar). There will be both a DJ in one area and live band in another for dancing. Tarot card reading and more. About 300 folks show up for this shin-dig. It is my 22nd year throwing this party so why not venture out and join the fun!

Bixby Knolls Strollers in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Have you ever heard about the Bixby Knolls Strollers? The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association has been doing a lot to get the word out about their section of Long Beach and just how cool they are. The Strollers are one way they are doing that. The Bixby Knolls Strollers is a neighborhood walking club that meets every Saturday morning at 7:30am at It's A Grind Coffeehouse (4245 Atlantic Ave). It's a great way to get fit, check out the businesses, explore the neighborhoods, and meet your neighbors. (Friendly) dogs are welcome, too. LaunderPet will provide bags to dog owners. The walks last for about an hour. Route changes each week.

Ever look for a unique way to get your name out there? You've seen the lighted banner on those blimps at night? What about the same concept on a helicopter? Well, Skylight California offers a new and unique way to control and position your advertising over the exact target market that you need to reach with the use of the lighted banner mounted on their helicopter. Imagine the advertising impact when an 8 foot by 36 foot lighted bill board flies overhead and then hovers for up to 5 minutes over crowds of on lookers reading your compelling message in the night sky. See the banner in action at www.skylightcalifonria.com or call Tom at 714-225-6476 (or email tom@skylightcaliforia.com) to ask him questions. It's a pretty cool concept!

Update on the Construction of the 7th Street Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:52:00 +0000

(thanks to the LB Post for the info)
Construction on local freeways that will lead to the closure of the heavily-used 7th Street Bridge in Long Beach will likely begin around October, say representatives from the Orange County Transportation Authority.

When construction on that bridge—to ease congestion by creating a new lane—begins, the closure will take northbound 405 Freeway drivers on a detour to exit either at Seal Beach Boulevard (before the bridge) or at Palo Verde (after the bridge). An LBPOST.com article earlier this week incorrectly stated that the main detours would be Seal Beach Boulevard and Woodruff Ave. That article has been corrected.

The bridge construction is part of the larger West County Connectors project that will ease congestion and improve road conditions on the 22, 405 and 605 Freeways and provide more than 5,000 jobs over the next four years, according to the project web site.

Construction on the east segment of the project is expected to begin in late July or August. The west segment—including the 7th Street bridge—will be bid out to contractors in Juy and awarded in August, with construction beginning sometime this fall around October. Dates for bridge closure have not yet been announced, but parts of the 7th Street Bridge will be closed for one year during construction.

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:54:00 +0000

(From LB Post)
This past month Gameworks; one of the primary anchors of downtown Long Beach’s Pike entertainment center, closed. According to the Gazette article, the forty-thousand square foot arcade and bowling alley vacated at the end of March as part of corporate strategy; closing half their locations. The closure of this entertainment venue leaves a large gap in the activities provided by the waterfront district. This comes at the same time as the closure of the Long Beach Clothing Company; one of the few retail establishments within the Pike. The unfortunate news comes on the heel of a series of positive developments over the past year; the opening of the swanky Avia Hotel, with a second hotel on the way, the addition of multiple restaurants including Kavika and Hooters and the long awaited opening of the Laugh Factory comedy club in 2008. Read rest of article HERE.

Long Beach Scavenger Hunt - it is happening now!

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:32:00 +0000

Did you know Long Beach has a business scavenger hunt going on in the Naples/Belmont Shore area?? Yes, it's true. It just started yesterday. I've participated in these before and they are so fun. All the info and the forms to participate can be found at www.LocalLongBeachOnline.com . You will see the huge link for Scavenger Hunt right on the home page. You visit participating businesses, figure out the clue that matches the business, get a stamp from that business on their corresponding "spot" on the form... visit as many as you can and by the end of the month you turn it in and have a chance to win some wonderful prizes! You get to discover businesses you might never have know were there and local businesses get some new faces in their doors. it is a win win for all. Help support your local businesses and give it a go.

Have you ever wanted whiter teeth but want it done simple and easy? I know a business you need to check out: Smile Brighter is a mobile teeth whitening business - yes they can come to you. But if you wish, you can visit them on Sundays in Naples (9am-5pm). They are located at 5346 E. 2nd St. You can get great and safe results leaving your teeth brighter and whiter in only 15 minutes!! Who doesn't have 15 minutes to get a better smile. And the price is so reasonable. Learn more about them at www.smilebrighter.net or call them at 562-506-7671

Halloween fun in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:19:00 +0000

yep, it's that time of year again, Halloween is right around the corner. The 21st Annual Halloween BOO will once again be held at Berth 55 Queens Wharf (555 Pico Ave, Long Beach), Friday, October 30, 8pm to 2am.
About 300 attending. Live band & DJ (two areas for dancing), food, tarot cards, professional photographer, tons of decorations. It is only $20 in advance ($25 a the door). Get all the details at: www.TheLocalCoast.com .
And if you still need a costume, I totally recommend Bianca's Costumes : www.biancascostumes.com . Most are historical, but there are so many looks she can create - she is so creative and you'll be the best dressed at your Halloween gig. Check it out!

Green Jobs for Youths in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:46:00 +0000

(from LBPost.com)
Earlier this week, Governor Schwarzenegger's office announced that nearly $11 million in stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would be awarded to ten California workforce organizations, and the City of Long Beach was awarded with $935,797.

“Using Recovery funds and public-private partnerships, the California Green Jobs Corps will help 1,500 at-risk young adults realize a brighter future while stimulating our economy and working toward a greener California," Schwarzenegger said in the press release.
Read the rest of the story HERE.

Surfers, others oppose proposal for gas terminal off Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:11:00 +0000

By Tom Incantalupo of Newsday.com
On the eve of a federal hearing on a proposed gas terminal south of Long Beach, opponents charged Wednesday that it would increase the nation's dependency on foreign fuel and pose risks to the quality of air, water, and recreational and commercial fishing during construction, operation and in the event of an accident.
To read the full article, click HERE.
For more of what is going on in Long Beach, check out www.LocalLongBeachOnline.com

Avoid New Years Eve DUI: Alternatives to driving drunk

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:07:00 +0000

Still can't figure out who's going to be the designated driver this New Year's Eve?Southern Californians have several options for getting around New Year's Eve when bus and light rail lines offer all-night service.Orange County Transportation Authority buses will run all night four of its most heavily used routes. To Read the full story from the Orange County Register, go HERE.

Prop 8 Makes (wrong kind of) History

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:43:00 +0000

(thanks to the Huffington Post)
True or False:
1) We should eliminate civil rights through popular vote, as long as a very narrow majority of voters agree.2) Special interests and citizens from other states should be allowed to fund political campaigns that affect your rights in your state.

If you answered "true" to either question you may be a supporter of California Proposition 8--the ballot measure that was titled "Eliminates rights of same-sex couples to marry." If so, on this test and in last Tuesday's election--even with the right answer staring you in the face--you failed.
California made history last week, to be sure, but not the kind of history we like and can be proud of and certainly not the kind of history we're known for. In 1948, California led the nation by becoming the first state to strike down bans on interracial marriage. In the Perez v Sharp decision that found marriage to be a fundamental right, the state Supreme court stated "the right to marry is the right to join in marriage with the person of one's choice" (emphasis added). Nearly 20 years later, the United States Supreme Court agreed that marriage was a "basic civil right" when it struck down anti-miscegenation laws all across the country.

To read full story, follow this LINK

Sustainability Conference in Long Beach, CA

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:33:00 +0000

Upcoming Sustainability Conference in Long Beach, CA
Potable Reuse for Water Supply Sustainability Conference: Critical Today, Essential Tomorrow
November 16-19, 2008
Hyatt Regency Long BeachLong Beach, CA
The WateReuse Association and the International Water Association will present a specialty conference with the theme "Potable Reuse for Water Supply Sustainability: Critical Today, Essential Tomorrow" on November 16-19 in Long Beach, CA. This conference will bring together leading experts from around the world to discuss critical factors in the success of potable reuse projects, including meeting regulatory hurdles, demonstrating environmental and economic viability, and enhancing public understanding and acceptance.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:· Presentations on success stories and lessons learned from Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Singapore, Australia, Europe, and Africa
· A panel discussion on environmental drivers and opportunities
· Presentations on policy and perception, regulations and research, technology and nature, and energy and economics
· Tours of the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System and the West Basin Municipal Water District’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility

Register today and save up to $100 on the registration fees! (Full payment must accompany your registration to qualify for the early-bird discount rate.) Online Registration (You will be asked to login or create an account. If you are a member or past attendee, you already have an account established. Your username is your e-mail address. To get your password, click here. To register another person, you must login using his or her WateReuse username and password.)Download a Printer-Friendly Registration Form View the Conference Brochure.

Auto Brokers for Buying or Leasing a Car - Better Than Using a Dealer

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:37:00 +0000

I'm sure most of you have had the hassle of dealing with auto dealers - there is no reason to haggle with them! If you've never gone to an auto broker for your new car, then you've missed out on the easiest way to buy a car. I would not go elsewhere. Our last 4 cars have been through a broker and it is SO easy - and we saved money!! So, you want to have a broker in your resources file for the next time you buy a car? Here is who I recommend:
Fox Auto Consultants - auto broker for purchase of vehicle lease
They are located at 17610 Beach Blvd. #36, Huntington Beach, and can be reached at: 714.846.7599. He will take care of Long Beach as well as all surrounding areas! Since 1934 the Fox family has been catering to the wishes of clients wanting to get the best deal on their new vehicles without having to go through the "normal" dealer process! Since they've been in the automobile industry for over 60 years they can assure you'll be treated with dignity & respect & get the right deal! They handle almost all makes & models of CARS, TRUCKS, VANS, & S.U.V.s!! They are the only auto broker you want to know!

Special Olympics torch in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:11:00 +0000

The Special Olympics torch arrived in Long Beach for the opening ceremonies at the Cal State Long Beach Pyramid. More than 3,500 law enforcement officers, including police chiefs and officers, military police and sheriffs, will have carried the torch more than 1,500 miles before it arrives around 2:45 p.m. Friday the 13th at 435 Shoreline Drive at the public dock just south of Shoreline Village.

For the first time, the Law Enforcement Torch Run route will bring the "Flame of Hope" by boat across the Los Angeles-Long Beach Channel to officers and Special Olympics runners waiting for the handoff at the dock, according to a Long Beach Police Department statement.
From there, runners will carry the torch along Ocean Boulevard to the next handoff point in front of Legends Restaurant and Sports Bar at 5236 east 2nd Street in Belmont Shores around 3:30 p.m., the statement said.

Then, officers and athletes will carry the torch to the Opening Ceremonies at the Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach. The ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. will include the lighting of the cauldron by a law enforcement officer and Special Olympics athlete, marking the official start of the games, according to the statement.
The Long Beach Police Department, the Long Beach FBI office and the United States Probation office have been supporters of Special Olympics and the Torch Run for more than a decade.

Personal fitness trainer in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:43:00 +0000

If you are looking for a great personal trainer, Linda McDonald with Beach Body Design is who you need to talk to. Located at 241 Seal Beach Blvd in Seal Beach south of PCH. She can be reached at 562-430-1271. As Linda's tag line says: It is where fitness is fun and we can take you to the next level in your quest for a healthy lifestyle. Your health is their primary concern and they make it their priority to help you get in shape and stay in shape so that you can live your life to the fullest! Serving Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach.

BBQ in Long Beach

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:26:00 +0000

The newly-formed North Alamitos Beach Association (NABA)will celebrate its official launch this Saturday, April 26, with a barbeque, activities for children and prize drawings from 11am – 2pm. The event will be held as part of the Community Police Center’s Open House, located at 1004 E. 7th Street. The area represented by NABA is bordered by Alamitos and Cherry, 4th and 7th Streets. The event is an open invitation for anyone within the organization’s limits to come and meet neighbors, talk to city representatives, and enjoy food and prizes. For kids, there will be fingerpainting, bike repair tips and even a visit from Herbie the Talking Car.

Long Beach Grand Prix coverage

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:40:00 +0000

From the LBPost.com:

The 34th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach came to a close yesterday, sending out the Champ Car Series with a bang as it now merges with the Indy Racing League. It was a dramatic weekend of racing from green to checkered flag, so LBPost.com spent all weekend covering every angle of every event. Check out the story here: http://www.lbpost.com/specialreport.php?id=1&item=1061

Sexiest Man In Long Beach, CA

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:03:00 +0000

ANTHONY BATTS - The Police Chief is smooth from the top of his dome to his highly polished persona—crisp all the way down to that seductive smile, was voted the sexiest man by the District's readers. For the whole story, and the other sexiest people, see their website!

say NO to the closure of State Parks in California

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:33:00 +0000

In a move that has stunned nature-lovers across the state, Gov. Schwarzenegger's latest budget proposal would shut down 20 percent of the state's parks, as well as cut down on lifeguards at state beaches. Of course, we all know California needs to balance the budget. But we're talking about a step that would save $9 million -- less than 0.1 percent of the state budget. Meanwhile, the costs to our environment, our quality of life, and our confidence in state government would be incalculable.

Let's kill this idea before it gets any further. Please urge the governor to back off of this wrong-headed move. Here is the LINK for you to do your part and send in an electronic letter. Please help save our parks.

The Future of Long Beach Water

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:00:00 +0000

There has been something going on down on the sands of Long Beach. A tall crane and some other engineering odds and ends have been seen by many as they drive down Ocean Blvd. at the foot of the bluffs at Junipero Ave.The Under Ocean Floor Intake & Discharge Demonstration System is an experiment by the Long Beach Water Department in an attempt to turn seawater into clear, high-quality drinking water. Called “The Long Beach Method,” the procedure aims to save energy by pushing seawater through two membranes at less pressure than traditional desalination technology.

The effort to turn sea water into clear water began almost 10 years ago, when the program received the green light for development by Congress on Oct. 9, 1996.

To read more of this story see the Beachcomber on line HERE. And to find out more of what is going on in Long Beach, check out www.LocalLongBeachOnLine.com

Cessna leaves Long Beach for Mesa, Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:55:00 +0000

Joel Davis grabbed his hard hat in a construction-site trailer and peered through a window at the Superstition Mountains. "It's impressive," he said of the view. "We were very fortunate to get this piece of ground."In the next several weeks the Cessna Aircraft Company executive hopes to sell that captivating vista and more to nearly 80 of the manufacturer's mechanics and their families. "We want the children, the wives, everybody involved," he said. "This is a major change in their lives. There is an ocean where they're living now and we want it to be a family decision to come over here."

Their elaborate introduction to Mesa and invitation to move here from Southern California starts later this month as the company prepares to relocate its Long Beach, Calif., aircraft maintenance operations to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. "It's kind of a Herculean effort because of flying so many people over here," Davis said. "We want them to become acclimated to the community. It's quite an ordeal to close one operation and open another."Such a massive and painstaking exercise to woo employees and their families to pull up roots and resettle in another state is rare in Mesa, said Charlie Deaton, president of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, which is helping Cessna carry out the project.The costly venture will pay dividends, however, if it enables Cessna to retain much of its experienced workforce, said Deaton and other business analysts."These are highly skilled people who know the airplanes, said Doug Oliver, director of Cessna's corporate communications. "They have a wealth of information and knowledge that's hard to find."And even if all of them make the move, Cessna will eventually hire additional mechanics to keep up with a growing demand being fueled by the company's climb in aircraft production, said Davis.
From the Arizona Republic

Long Beach Breakers Basketball and Disney!

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:25:00 +0000

LONG BEACH, Ca--Disney will be involved in the next two Long Beach Breakers basketball games as they are looking for students to fill their PAID internship jobs (www.disneycollegeprogram.com).

The Breakers are back in action tonight at 730pm and Sunday at 530pm. Home games are played at the Long Beach City College Gymnasium on Carson Street. Tickets are available through ticketmaster (213 480 3232) or at the door. Kids under age 13 are always FREE.

For more information, call 562 277 2344 or visit www.lbbreakers.com.

RowofLife Surfing the Mid-Atlantic

noreply@blogger.com (LocalLongBeachOnLine) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:21:00 +0000

RowofLife has hit the 1000 mile mark on Day 31 of the Atlantic Rowing Race. That just leaves about 1552 to go; No Problem! They are really turning it on now. They have increased their load to move along faster. They can't make a full side because they lack legs. Franck has an infected stump and is not able to wear his prosthesis. Angela's back is not exactly happy, but when is it ever. Atlantic Jack said in their blog "The next boat to catch is Angela & Frank(sic) in "Row of Life", this will be a tough one as although they only have one fully functional leg between the 2 of them, they are complete rowing animals. " Atlantic Jack is moving at an unbelievable pace. I just wish we could figure out what is coming out of their water maker, so we could have some too. Maybe if they catch us, they will share the secret to their speed.

Surfing is Angela's first love. On New Year's Day she is usually out surfing in Huntington Beach with all her surfing buddies. She would like to thank all her surfing buddies, the Huntington Beach Long Board Crew, and the Surf Museum in Huntington Beach, for the support they have given her. Well what would New Years be without surfing? Well apparently the powers that be also thought Angela should surf today. The wind was blowing the wrong way today. The water was choppy and not good for rowing. Then it happened….the wind created big waves, excellent for Ocean Rowing Boat Surfing. Angela and Franck guided themselves with their oars and were able to catch a dozen or so good waves. They did not get long rides, but it was fun. Franck caught on to the English surf logo. Soon after the first wave, he kept asking if the next wave was a good one for surfing. We are going to work on him saying, "Dude." Both Angela and Franck seemed exhilarated by their morning session of surfing the 2/3 meter waves. So, while the rowing completely sucked today….the surfing was EXCELLENT.

The weather has been very rough and the winds not good for rowing. They are hoping for the winds to start blowing back in the westerly direction so they can take advantage of the winds and the equatorial currents. It has been tough to make progress and Angela and Franck have been rowing together many hours a day. It has taken a physical toll, but their spirits remain high. I just found out at the beginning of the race Angela fell off her seat and bruised her back very badly on Franck's foot stretchers. She was unable to do anything but crawl out onto the deck. She was not able to row. That was one of the reasons for their slow start. Also Franck was very sea sick at first and not able to row. So compared to the start, they are doing well now, but it is still not a picnic. They are trying to make sure they take the time to get rest so they can heal and stay healthy. It is a long race and they are ready for the long haul.

Angela is the Founder and Director of the California Adaptive Rowing Program in Long Beach, CA www.carplb.net . It is a free program where differently-abled people learn row with the help of dedicated volunteers. It is part Long Beach Rowing Association and they row out of the Pete Archer Rowing Center. Boy About Town, Patric, of Long Beach found out about the program and was very excited. He took the time to come down with his partner and 2 friends to check out the program on Saturday. He gave CARP a Super-Fabulous rating. Boy is amazing and so very funny! He wrote about it in his blog, which Angela found very entertaining when I read it to her. His blog is at http://fab-boy-about-town.blogspot.com/ and his visit to the rowing program is called "Boy gets a new outlook" http://fab-boy-about-town.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2007-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=21 Vicki, Tom and the volunteers are doing a wonderful job with CARP. It is running as smoothly as ever and Angela is so proud. Angela and Franck called the dock while Boy was there and was able to talk to him as well as Vicki, Tom, Kurt, Ron, Nahu, Loren, Wanda, Christian and some others. The spirit of the CARPies filled Angela and Franck with new energy! They rowed 52 miles that day. Boy About Town is apparently well read and I have received many messages from people who found out about Row of Life from Boy's Blog. Angela is looking forward to meeting Boy in person and doing some events together, when she returns. Boy also writes a weekly newsletter. .