Your Weekly Community Newspaper December 20, 2013Vol. 35 No. 29SERVING BIXBY KNOLLS, CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS, LOS CERRITOS, WRIGLEY AND THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL

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SIGNALT R I B U N E

“Climax”Acrylic on canvasby Annie Clavel

See page 18

Sean BelkStaff Writer

Planned for more than adecade, a project to construct anew north Long Beachlibrary– anticipated as the“largest branch library” in thecity and an “anchor” for thecommunity– will begin in latespring next year, city officialssaid.

The library will be built onthe site of the abandoned, his-toric Atlantic Theater, whichfor more than 70 years hasbeen a local landmark with itstall spire on the 5800 block ofAtlantic Avenue.

Seyed Jalali, project officerfor the Long Beach Development Services Department, said the theater will be torn down in lateJanuary to make way for the public facility. Ninth District City Councilmember Steven Neal issponsoring an event on Jan. 25 to herald the launch of the long-awaited project, after which workon tearing down the theater will commence.

The more than $16-million project is continuing after the State Department of Finance gave

Courtesy City of LBA rendering by architect and designer LPA, Inc. shows what the new north Long Beach library will look like oncecompleted. Construction is expected to start in spring 2014.

AZTECAMExICAN RESTAURANT

12911Main St., Historical Downtown Garden Grove(714) 638-3790 aztecaoc.org

Sean BelkStaff Writer

After going without cost-of-living salary increases for five years, Signal Hillpolice officers are getting pay raises as part of an agreement reached by the Cityand the Signal Hill Police Officers Association (POA) on a two-year labor con-tract.

The pay raises, however, don’t come without some “give and take,” city offi-cials said.

As part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was unanimouslyapproved by the City Council at its Dec. 17 meeting, the City has agreed to givepolice officers a 6-percent pay raise for this fiscal year, effective retroactively asof last July 1, and a 5-percent pay raise in Fiscal Year 2014-15.

In return, POA members have unanimously agreed to pay their “full employeeshare” toward their California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)pension costs.

Under the contract, police officers will contribute an additional 3 percent oftheir pay (for a total of 7 percent) toward CalPERS pension costs this fiscal yearand an additional 2 percent (for a total of 9 percent) of their pay toward pensioncosts next fiscal year.

The pension-reform provisions are expecting to generate more than $175,000in savings for the City during the two-year period. After the savings are added in, thenet cost of the pay raises is estimated to be $651,200, according to a city staff report.

The City will make a budget adjustment for Fiscal Year 2013-14 to cover thecosts of the first round of pay raises through General Fund reserves, according toa city staff report.

Signal Hill Council grants police pay raises as unionagrees to make ‘full employee share’ toward pensions

Sean Belk/Signal TribuneSignal Hill city officials gave a presentation at the Dec. 17 Council meeting to acknowl-edge that the newly built Signal Hill Police Station and Emergency Operations Center wasrecognized as “Project of the Year” by the Southern California Chapter of the AmericanPublic Works Association. From left are Deputy City Manager Charlie Honeycutt, CityAttorney David Aleshire, Mayor Michael Noll and Police Chief Michael Langston.

New north LB library to be built in spring 2014;Atlantic Theater to be demolished in late January

File PhotoThe Atlantic Theater, which first opened in 1942 on the 5800 block of AtlanticAvenue, will be demolished in late January to make way for a new library thatcity officials anticipate will be an “anchor” for the north Long Beach area.

CJ DabloStaff Writer

New food-concession businesses at the Long Beach Airport andthe Long Beach Convention Center may soon be required to pay ahigher starting wage. The Long Beach City Council voted in favorof asking the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would requirefuture food-concession businesses at the airport and conventioncenter to pay their workers a higher minimum wage consistent withMeasure N, a law passed last year by Long Beach voters. At thetime it had taken effect last year, Measure N was originallyintended to apply only to the hotel industry, but with nearly the fullsupport of the Council, food-concession workers at the airport andconvention center may soon join the hotel workers in that abilityto earn that bigger paycheck.

Praised by some community advocates and councilmembersTuesday night, Measure N guaranteed what has been dubbed a “liv-ing wage” to hotel workers in the city. At the time it was passed in2012, this initiative ordinance required hotels with 100 rooms ormore to offer employees $13 per hour in addition to paid sick leave.Measure N’s language also allowed for regular increases. As of July1, hotel workers are now entitled to a minimum wage of $13.26,according to the city clerk website. As previously reported, themeasure, supported by a hotel-worker union, stipulated that hotelsthat unionize would be exempt from the provisions.

Fourth District Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell co-spon-sored the agenda item with Vice Mayor Robert Garcia and 7th Dis-trict Councilmember James Johnson, calling for therecommendation to draft the ordinance. O’Donnell said that when

a worker is paid a living wage, he or she would not need to rely onthe government to provide basic necessities such as housing,healthcare, transportation and food.

“So,” he concluded, “in essence, such a policy is fiscally pru-dent and morally correct.”

The Council voted unanimously (8-0) for the city attorney todraft the ordinance. Third District Councilmember Gary DeLongwas absent for the vote. A few councilmembers emphasized theadvantages of offering better pay to employees in this segment ofLong Beach’s tourism industry, particularly since the airport andconvention center are highly visible.

“I think… we are having positive conversations and thoughtfuldialogue about what a living wage really does for workers and what

see THEATER page 14

see LB COUNCIL page 17

see SH COUNCIL page 6

Long Beach City officials push to increase wages for food-concession workers at airport, convention center

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DECEMBER 20, 20132 SIGNAL TRIBUNE COMMUNITY

The Long Beach Departmentof Parks, Recreation and Marineis offering a series of classes forchildren during the winter season.

The “Misfit Toys Workshop”on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10amto noon at Averyboo Arts Studio,3908 Atlantic Ave. is available forchildren age 7 to 12 to invent a

new toy or create an artisticsculpture using pieces and partsfrom discarded misfit toys. Stu-dents will learn about abstract artand proper use of adhesives andpaints.

For children looking to dobetter in school as a New Year’sresolution, the “Persuasive Para-graphs” enrichment courseencourages children to have funwith creative writing and discoverthe persuasive power of the writ-ten word. Students are encour-aged to arrive 10 minutes earlyfor exercises. Classes start on Jan.9 and Feb. 6 at the Cypress Com-munity Center, 5700 Orange Ave.in Cypress.

The “Wellness and ChangingHealth Behaviors” course offers achance for participants to exam-ine their health behaviors, moti-vations and limitations.Participants will also set “realistichealth goals and achieve themthrough stress reduction, exerciseand nutrition.” Sessions start onJan. 15 at College Estates Park.

For an extra push, “TabataBootcamp” engages participantsin high intensity interval trainingto lose weight and build muscle.Classes begin on Jan. 13 at Ward-low Park.

To register for all classes, call(562) 570-3111 to get a passwordand be set up for the regular reg-istration service or online regis-tration, mail to 2760 StudebakerRd, Long Beach, CA 90815, faxto (562) 570-3113 or walk in atthe El Dorado Park Administra-tion Building, 2760 StudebakerRd. Office hours are Monday toFriday from 9am to 5:30pm.

MORE INFORMATIONlbparks.org

LB Parks and Rec. offerswinter classes for children

Sean BelkStaff Writer

Signal Hill’s public library turnedthe page on another chapter of his-tory– officially turning 85 years oldon Tuesday, Dec. 17.

To commemorate the occasion,city officials and library staff serveda birthday cake and beverages to thepublic. Later that evening, MayorMichael Noll and the City Councilpresented a proclamation to recog-nize the library’s long history in thecity.

Today, the 4,234-square-footfacility is located at 1770 E. Hill St.,

next door to the former Signal HillPolice Station, but the library hasgone through many changes over theyears.

The original Signal Hill library,which was first a part of the LosAngeles County library system, oper-ated out of a ramshackle building in1924. A black-and-white photographof the library’s original home was ondisplay during the anniversary cele-bration.

“If you go over there and look atthe picture of the original library, itlooks like cardboard boxes,” MayorNoll joked while giving a brief his-tory of the library during the Councilpresentation. “Ours is beginning toget like that because there’s so manypeople using it.”

Noll said, a year after first open-ing, a board of trustees for the libraryfelt it was in the best interest of thecity and the residents to withdrawfrom the county system. The boardthen took action to establish the firstand only city-operated Signal Hillpublic library.

After a new position of city librar-ian was formed and appointed, anofficial city ordinance was adopted in1928, establishing the City’s mainte-nance of the public library and furtheroutlining the duties of the board oftrustees.

In 1934, the Signal Hill librarywas relocated to the basement belowthe then-newly developed City Hallat Hill Street and Cherry Avenue.Then, in 1978, the library movedagain to its current location, which isa former fire department building.

“After 85 years, the Signal Hillpublic library continues to offer thepublic fiction and non-fiction publi-

cations, current periodicals, newspa-pers and technology-related serv-ices,” Noll said.

City Librarian Gail Ashbrooke,who is Signal Hill’s seventh citylibrarian, said the fact that the Citydecided to opt out of the county sys-tem to operate its own library is a tes-tament to the City’s responsibility toits community.

“That, for me, just shows thecommitment that the City has to pro-vide its citizens with an active, thriv-ing library, because it’s much easierto control the library when it’s undera city jurisdiction rather than acounty,” she said.

Ashbrooke and Mayor Noll alsoeluded to the City’s efforts to builda new library, which is currentlybeing held up due to the State’s dis-solution of redevelopment. The$8.6-million project involves build-ing a state-of-the-art, nearly 15,000square-foot facility.

“I really appreciate [the] aspectthat the library is a city library, andI look forward to another 85 yearsin a new building,” Ashbrooke said.

According to the City’s website,the library circulates approximately90,000 items annually with a bookcollection of more than 28,000 vol-umes.

Library hours are: from noon to8pm on Mondays, Tuesdays andThursdays; from 10am to 5pm onWednesdays, Fridays and Satur-days; from 7:30am to 4:30pm oncity holidays and closed on Sun-days.

MORE INFORMATIONcityofsignalhill.org

(562) 989-7323

Signal Hill public library turns 85

WISHING YOUAND YOUR FAMILY

A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Best wishes!Congressman Alan Lowenthal & Debbie Lowenthal

Courtesy City of SHFrom left, City Librarian Gail Ashbrooke, Vice Mayor Ed Wilson, Councilmember Lori Woods,Mayor Michael Noll, Councilmember Larry Forester and City Manager Ken Farfsing attendthe celebration of the Signal Hill public library’s 85th Anniversary on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

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The Campaign TrailThe Campaign TrailDECEMBER 20, 2013 NEWS SIGNALTRIBUNE 3

Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud announced on Monday, Dec. 16 that she will seek re-election to a third term ascity auditor. Doud was first elected in 2006 and re-elected to a second four-year term in 2012.

•Carl Kemp, a candidate for Long Beach City Council’s 5th District, announced that the International Brotherhood ofElectrical Workers (IBEW) Local 11 has endorsed him. IBEW Local 11 joins the Laborers’ Union Local 507, whichendorsed Kemp last week.

•Rex Richardson, a candidate running for the 9th District City Council seat, announced he has received endorsementsfrom Betty Karnette, a former state assemblymember and senator, and the California Coalition of Law EnforcementAssociations.

•Megan Kerr, a candidate running for Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education District 1,announced she has been endorsed by LBUSD Board President John McGinnis and Delaine Eastin, retired CaliforniaSuperintendent of Public Instruction who was California’s first female state superintendent.

•Uduak Ntuk, a candidate for LBUSD Board of Education to represent District 1, announced he has received endorse-ments from LBUSD Boardmember Dr. Felton Williams, nine other school-board members across the state and the Inter-national Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local Lodge 1930

•Juan Benitez, who is running for LBUSD Board of Education’s District 3 seat, announced the endorsements from LongBeach Firefighters Association and the Long Beach Police Officers Association.

• Sunny Zia, who is running for the Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees District 3 seat, announced anendorsement from the IAM Local Lodge 1930.

•Patrick O’Donnell, a candidate running for the State Assembly’s 70th District seat, announced that the California FacultyAssociation, representing more than 23,000 higher education educators and professionals, has endorsed him.

The nomination filing period forthe April 8, 2014 Long Beach Pri-mary Nominating Election opened onMonday, Dec. 16 and will close at5pm on Friday, Jan. 10.

Members of the public seekingnomination for the offices of mayor,city attorney, city prosecutor, cityauditor or council district seats 1, 3,5, 7 and 9 may pick up nominationpapers from the City Clerk’s depart-ment during City Hall business hoursof 7:30am to 4:30pm.

A runoff election will be held onJune 3, coinciding with the StatewideDirect Primary Election. All elected

candidates are to assume office onJune 15.

In Long Beach, there are alsoseats up for grabs on both the LongBeach Unified School District Boardof Education (Districts 1, 3 and 5)and the Long Beach Community Col-lege Board of Trustees (Areas 1, 3and 5).

During a candidate orientationworkshop on the opening day of thefiling period, candidates receivedinformation on provisions of the CityCharter, the municipal code and theCalifornia Elections Code. Each can-didate present also received a candi-

date handbook containing informa-tion on the City’s election process andsystems as well as the rules and regu-lations of running a campaign inLong Beach.

To be eligible to hold an electedoffice in the city of Long Beach, aperson must be a legally registeredvoter and resident of the city at least30 days immediately preceding thelast day (Jan. 10, 2014) upon whichcandidates are permitted to file nom-inating petitions for office with theCity Clerk.

MORE INFORMATIONlongbeach.gov/cityclerk/elections

Filing period for candidates in LB’s Primary Nominating Election lasts through Jan. 10

GRAB SOME FRESH FRUITS AND VEGGIESWhat Grand re-opening of downtown farmers marketWho Harbor Area Farmers Markets (HAFM)Where On 3rd Street between Pacific and CedaravenuesWhen Friday, Dec. 20 from 10am to 3pmMore Info HAFM is a traditional farmers market thatprovides a venue for farmers to sell California certifiedproduce, flowers, eggs and honey, as well as preparedfoods from local vendors. The Friday market con-sists of 20 farmers and 14 food vendors. Visit good-veg.org .

HELP SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEERWhat Food and toy driveWho McKenzie MortuaryWhere 3843 E. Anaheim St.When Friday, Dec. 20 through the month of DecemberMore Info McKenzie Mortuary will be collectingdonations throughout the holiday season. The mortuarywill match donations, based on the monetary value ofthe donated items. Unused gift cards can also bedonated. Donations can be dropped off at the funeralhome, or pick-ups can be arranged. Call (562) 961-9301.

OVERDUE?What Library Fines Amnesty MonthWho Signal Hill LibraryWhere 1770 E. Hill St.When Friday, Dec. 20 through the month of DecemberMore Info The Signal Hill Library will waive all over-due fines during the month of December.

LET IT SNOWWhat 5th Annual Wrigley Snow DayWho Wrigley AssociationWhere Veterans Park, 101 E. 28th St.When Saturday, Dec. 28 at 11amMore Info The event will include snow, sled runs,bounce houses and more. Food trucks and vendors willbe on-site.

BOOKWORMS UNITEWhat Monthly community book clubWho The Bixby Knolls Literary SocietyWhere Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 Atlantic Ave.When Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7pmMore Info Next month, the club will delve into Rabbitis Rich by John Updike. Parking is available alongAtlantic Avenue. Refreshments will be provided. Call(562) 595-0081 or email info@bixbyknollsinfo.com .

Filmmaker Pamela K. Johnson hascompleted a 15-minute documentarycalled The Making of Christmas TreeLane, which is now showing on theLong Beach Public Digital Access Net-work’s (PADNET) website and onCharter Channel 32 and Verizon Chan-nel 41.

The documentary on the 60thanniversary of Christmas Tree Lane onDaisy Avenue is available as one of sev-eral videos on demand and will be madeavailable online at iTunes and Amazon,according to a statement from Johnson.The first public screening of the filmwas on Monday, Dec. 16 at the WrigleyArea Neighborhood Alliance (WANA)annual holiday potluck at Veteran’sPark.

Johnson worked with Long Beachfilmmakers Alex Downs and ChristianGuilder, who have served as cameraoperators, to capture the “behind-the-scenes” story by going to a secret ware-house where the Christmas Tree Lanedisplays are kept.

Also featured in the film is theprocess of placing the displays on DaisyAvenue, old parade footage and inter-views of key figures such as MariaNorvell, “Mother of Christmas TreeLane,” Mayor Bob Foster and UnitedStates Congressmember Alan Lowen-thal. along with capturing footage of the59th annual parade and surroundingevents. This year, the annual DaisyAvenue Christmas Tree Lane Paradetook place on Saturday, Dec. 14.

“Editing the project took me fourmonths of last year, and a month thisyear,” said Johnson, who completedproducer, field production and editingclasses at PADNET in December 2012.

Johnson shot her second short filmStitches at Long Beach PolytechnicHigh School in 2007, as a fellow in the

American Film Institute’s DirectorWorkshop for Women, and is at workon a documentary about Earl S. Daugh-erty, an early aviator who founded theLong Beach Airport.

“I’m fascinated by Long Beach his-tory,” said Johnson, who hopes to makea number of documentaries about thecity. She has also shot films in othercities, including Albuquerque, NM, andBeijing, China—the latter in early Sep-

tember 2013.“I won a grand prize in the Beijing

International Screenwriting Competi-tion, and got to shoot my prize-winningshort film in China. If you can wranglea crew when you don’t speak any Man-darin, and most of them don’t speakmuch English,” she said, “then you canyou can do anything.”

Source: Pamela K. Johnson

Long Beach filmmaker chronicles history ofChristmas Tree Lane in short documentary

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEFNeena R. Strichart

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTTanya Paz

CULTURE WRITERSDaniel Adams Vicki Paris Goodman Gregory Spooner

COLUMNISTSJennifer E. Beaver Kenneth McKenzie Shoshanah Siegel Carol Berg Sloan, RD

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Barbie Ellisen Ashley Goodsell

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERStephen M. Strichart

DESIGN EDITOR/PRODUCTION MANAGERLeighanna Nierle

MANAGING EDITORCory Bilicko

The Signal Tribune welcomes letters to the editor, which should be signed, dated and include a phone number to verify authenticity. Letters are due by noon on the Tuesday before desired publication date. The SignalTribune reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, language and space requirements. Letters should be 400 words or less. The Signal Tribune will publish no more than one “pro” letter and one “con” letter on a particulartopic in a single issue. The Signal Tribune does not print letters that refer substantially to articles in other publications and might not print those that have recently been printed in other publications or otherwise presented ina public forum. Letters to the editor and commentaries are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Signal Tribune or its staff. Although the editorial staff will attempt to verify and/or correct information when possible, letters to the editor and commentaries are opinions, and readers should not assume that they are statements of fact. Letter-writers will be identified by their professional titles or affiliations when,and only when, the editorial staff deems it relevant and/or to provide context to the letter. We do not run letters to the editor submitted by individuals who have declared their candidacies for public office in upcoming races. Thispolicy was put in place because, to be fair, if we publish one, we would have to publish all letters submitted by all candidates. The volume would no doubt eliminate space for letters submitted by other readers. Instead, we agree to inter-view candidates and print stories about political races in an objective manner and offer very reasonable advertising rates for those candidates who wish to purchase ads. The Signal Tribune is published each Friday with a circulationof 25,000. Yearly subscriptions are available for $50.

939 E. 27th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 595-7900 www.signaltribune.com newspaper@signaltribune.com

STAFF WRITERSCJ Dablo Sean Belk

OPINION DECEMBER 20, 20134 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

SIGNALT R I B U N E

Thoughtsfrom the

Publisherby Neena Strichart

This year, I am blessed to be spending the holidayswith my family– including my precious 94-year-oldmother Marjorie. With her good health and great atti-tude, I am so lucky to have her. For those who will bewith friends and family this season, please take the timeto kiss and squeeze them and tell them how much youlove them. We don’t know what next year will bring.And to you, my gentle readers, I want you to know howmuch we appreciate you. Also, please remember thereason for the season, happy birthday baby Jesus.

Memories of Christmases past bring both smiles andtears for most of us. The smiles are for rememberinghappy times with loved ones, gifts exchanged and thefestivities of the season. Our tears are usually reservedfor thoughts of loved ones too far away to hug or forsadness surrounding those we have lost and the real-ization that they will not share the year-end holidayswith us.

This year, our family’s Christmas will be especiallysomber. The reason for our collective sadness is thepassing of our darling niece Kari Strichart Gray. She was just a young woman,and we had all celebrated her wedding just one year and eleven months ago toher soulmate JohnLee. This loving girl– a sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece,cousin and friend– will not be joining any of us around the family’s decoratedtree this year. Sweet Kari passed away in her sleep last Sunday morning. We don’tknow why, and, at this point, the whys don’t really matter. What matters is thatwe still can’t believe she has left us.

Not really knowing how to broach the subject in my column this week, I amgrateful to Kari’s brother Scott for providing me with his thoughts and a beautifulpicture of his loving sister. I share that with you below.Kari Lisa Gray (nee Strichart), born in 1983 and passed in the comfort of her

sleep this last Sunday, 12/15, would more than likely be appalled at the thoughtof even an inch of space being dedicated to her in a newspaper, but as herbrother, this is perhaps the final act of impishness I’ll be able to bother her with.So here goes.

Kari jammed more life into her 30 years on Earth than most people managein double that time. She saw at least 40 states and traveled abroad to Europe too.She double majored in Psychology and Film, and, when she realized those wereBOTH not her “thing,” she became a manager of human resources.Through all that, she also managed to find her perfect match, JohnLee Gray,

who she married in her pajamas on the beach and then promptly honeymoonedin Italy. They shared a passion for strategy and board games, a philosophy sheapplied to her life to great success. She was the queen of the chess board.Kari refused to have a funeral– she wasn’t much for being the center of atten-

tion. This Saturday, we’re having a memorial service to celebrate her life and [tohelp us deal with] the gaping hole that her absence leaves behind. She is survivedby lots of friends and family– but she would probably prefer that we mention, byname, her cat Sera, her rabbit Ms. BunBun and her skink Sydney. As for thefuture, don’t worry, Kari. I’ll snoot hard enough for both of us.– Scott Strichart

Kari Lisa Gray

Mea culpaThe Dec. 13, 2013 article “Signal Hill briefing explains health-benefit exchange, Affordable Care Act mandates” should haveread that Vice Mayor Ed Wilson is running for the 70th State

Assembly District next year.

Getting some FaceTime

My name is Joy, and [Neena andI] spoke as I FaceTimed with mydaughter Amber Hamilton in front ofmy home on Daisy during theparade. Amber is in her third year ofmedical school at St. Louis Schoolof Medicine in St. Louis., Mo. Shehas seen every parade, with theexception of its cancellation due torain, since birth! Because of herschool schedule, she has missed theparades for the past two years, butshe has been able to see themthrough FaceTime with me! Mydaughter would tell you that theChristmas Tree Lane parade is one ofher favorite childhood memories!

Joy Husband-Hamilton Long Beach Wrigley District resident

Photo by Neena StrichartJoy Husband-Hamilton FaceTiming with her 30-year-olddaughter Amber Hamilton during this year’s Daisy AvenueChristmas Tree Lane Parade.

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ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:56 AM Page 4

Long Beach police arrested five suspects in connectionwith one attempted robbery and three robberies, whichoccurred in the east and west divisions, according to the LongBeach Police Department (LBPD).

Robbery detectives recognized an increase in incidentsover the past few weeks and developed a strategy with theEast Patrol, West Patrol and the Gang and Violent CrimesDivisions. Residents were encouraged to report suspiciouspersons and activity while police focused saturation-patrolefforts throughout the area.

On Dec. 11, around 7:30pm, police responded to the 1700block of East 2nd Street regarding an attempted armed rob-bery. One suspect approached the victim, demanded his cell-phone and fled on foot. At approximately 8pm, anotherrobbery occurred in the area of 4th Street and Rose Avenue.

The armed suspect approached two victims and demandedtheir cellphones and cash. During the course of the investiga-tion, two suspects were arrested and the investigation is ongo-ing. At this time, the suspects are only being described as anadult male resident of Los Angeles and an adult male residentof Bellflower.

On the morning of Dec. 12, Long Beach Gang Enforce-ment detectives arrested three juveniles for robberies thatoccurred in the 3900 block of East Broadway on Nov. 23, anda robbery that occurred on Nov. 22 in the area of Division andLa Verne. Pursuant to the arrests, detectives executed foursearch warrants and recovered jewelry, cellphones and addi-tional evidence.

Robbery detectives are in the process of determining ifthose arrested may be responsible for other incidents thatoccurred in the area south of 5th Street and east of AlamitosAvenue during the past few weeks.

Those robberies were crimes of opportunity where thesuspect spotted a potential victim who was distracted,

approached the victim, displayed a handgun, snatched the vic-tim’s cellphone and then fled.

The suspect(s) have been described as male African Amer-ican(s), ranging in age from teens to mid-twenties and armedwith a handgun, which may be a real or replica firearm.

LBPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying theindividual(s) responsible and encourages community mem-bers to increase their awareness and to diligently practice thefollowing safety tips:

• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and thepeople around you

• Whenever possible, avoid using your IPOD, cell phone,or portable game system while walking in public areas

• Don’t “advertise” that you have valuables in public view(money, jewelry, electronic devices, etc.)

• Be aware of locations and situations, which make youvulnerable to crime, such as dark parking lots, walkways,ATM machines, and alleys

• Whenever possible, travel with a friend - there is safetyin numbers

• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible• Walk close to the curb and avoid doorways, bushes, and

alleys where someone could hide• If you feel you are being followed or targeted, move to

a well-populated and well-lighted area• Report suspicious persons or activity by calling 9-1-1• If you are the victim of a robbery, call 9-1-1 immediately

to provide a good description of the suspect(s), the mode oftransportation, and direction of travel

Anyone with information regarding the recent robberiesis urged to call the LBPD’s Robbery Detail at (562) 570-7464.Those who wish to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637(CRIMES), or visit lacrimestoppers.org .

Long Beach police make arrestsin string of cellphone robberies

DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 5NEWS

On Dec. 12, 2013, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against two LongBeach gang members for the July 20, 2012 murder of 21-year-old Long Beach resident Ajay Steward, accordingto the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).

Steward was shot and killed in the 1200 block of Ohio Avenue, just south of Anehim Street, after becominginvolved in a confrontation with a group of male subjects. The confrontation was determined to have been a gangfight that escalated into a shooting, according to LBPD.

A seperate press release from LBPD states that one subject from a group pulled out a gun and fired severalrounds into the other group, striking Steward. The victim was struck multiple times in the torso, was transportedto a local hospital in critical condition and pronounced deceased later in the evening.

The District Attorney filed one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder against 24-year-oldJorge Armando Samniego of Long Beach and 25-year-old Gustavo Castaneda Garcia of Long Beach, with gangand gun enhancements. They were in custody on unrelated charges at the time of the filing, and were arraignedin Long Beach Superior Court.

Source: LBPD

Two Long Beach gang members charged in 2012 murder case

On Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at approximately 8:59pm, theLong Beach Fire Department (LBFD) responded to an apart-ment fire on the 5500 block of Ackerfield Avenue in north LongBeach.

The first arriving units found a moderate fire and smokecoming from a first floor unit. Firefighters were able to extin-guish the fire and kept it from spreading to adjacent apartments.

Two residents of the apartment sustained injuries. An 11-year-old boy suffered 2nd-degree burns as well as inhalationinjuries. In critical but stable condition, he was treated andtransported to a local hospital by Long Beach paramedics. Anadult female suffered minor burns and was treated and releasedat the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by authorities.

Source: LBFD

Boy burned in north LB apartment fire

’

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DECEMBER 20, 20136 SIGNAL TRIBUNE NEWS

The second year of the con-tract, however, comes with somecontingencies.

The 5-percent salary increaseand the 2-percent employee con-tribution in Fiscal Year 2014-15only go into effect if sales-tax rev-enue doesn’t drop by $300,000 ormore, pension costs don’t riseabove current projections and vot-ers don’t pass the controversial“Taxpayers’ Right to Know andVote” initiative, which will be onthe ballot for a special election onJune 3, 2014.

While the City’s budget andthe local economy are “slowly sta-bilizing,” there are still some“economic uncertainties” thatexist, said Signal Hill Deputy CityManager Charlie Honeycutt, theCity’s lead labor negotiator. Hesaid one of the main concerns isthe loss of redevelopment, whichfor years has been used primarilyto subsidize development by cov-ering oil-well-remediation costs,issuing bonds and paying for otherexpenses.

The State’s decision to dissolveredevelopment agencies has “hin-dered major economic-develop-ment projects from movingforward,” Honeycutt said. Projectsin Signal Hill that have haltedinclude a new permanent Fiatdealership planned by Glenn E.Thomas Dodge Chrysler on a loton Spring Street near a Hondadealership and a retail/hotel devel-opment proposed by Signal HillPetroleum at 700 Spring St. acrossfrom the Signal Hill GatewayCenter, he said.

A key factor in the labor nego-tiations was a survey that indi-cated salaries for Signal Hillpolice officers and sergeants wereabout 9.5 percent and nearly 11percent, respectively, below the“average mid-point” for surveycities, city staff said.

The disparity is mainly due tothe fact that most police agenciesare tied to multi-year labor con-tracts that have forced city gov-ernments to grant pay raises evenas revenues declined during theGreat Recession, according to citystaff.

Signal Hill, on the other hand,

has been able to negotiate with thePOA to hold tight during the eco-nomic downturn and hasn’tgranted any cost-of-living salaryincreases since January 2009,Honeycutt said. “You don’tincrease your costs when yourrevenues are falling,” he said in aphone interview.

In fact, in 2010, the POAagreed to pay more toward theirpension costs as CalPERS ratesincreased. Subsequently, in 2012,the City put a “freeze” onstep/merit increases– pay raisesbased on years of service and per-formance.

Recently, however, more thanhalf-a-dozen longtime police per-sonnel– including a lieutenant, acaptain, a detective sergeant and apolice officer– have retired fromthe force. Honeycutt said it’s get-ting tougher for the Signal HillPolice Department, which has atotal of 36 police officers, to findqualified recruits.

“The department has hired sev-eral well-qualified individuals tofill those vacancies, but findingqualified candidates is gettingharder for a variety of factors,including competition for ashrinking pool of good candi-dates,” he said.

Honeycutt said new policeofficers have been most impactedby the step-increase freeze, sinceit has prevented them fromadvancing to their pay range andkept them at entry-level salaries.

Now, the labor agreementshould boost the City’s competi-tiveness in recruiting and retain-ing new officers, he said.According to Honeycutt, theMOU allows for one step increasein Fiscal Year 2014-15 after which“the freeze will be re-established.”

Signal Hill POA Vice PresidentNick Davenport thanked the CityCouncil and all city officialsinvolved in the labor-negotiationprocess during the Council meet-ing, adding that the contractwould aid the police department’sefforts to recruit and keep newofficers.

“Throughout the negotiationprocess it was apparent that theCity was both fiscally minded andyet very committed to profes-sional police services,” he said.“Throughout the negotiationprocess, it was clear that the cityhad a strong commitment to pro-viding quality police services tothe citizens and businesses of Sig-nal Hill. The new contract takesgreat strides in recruitment andretention of highly qualified offi-cers.”

Signal Hill Mayor MichaelNoll said of the contract agree-ment, “There wasn’t the bitternessI’ve seen in the past.”

Councilmember Larry Foresterthanked the POA for “sitting up atthe table,” adding that the Cityand the union were both willing to“give and take.”

One major contingency for thecontract to be fulfilled, however,is a provision that allows the POAand the City to revisit labor nego-tiations if voters approve the Tax-payers’ Right to Know and Voteinitiative next year.

City officials said the initiativewas tied into the contract after afiscal analysis released by anindependent consultant in Novem-ber concluded that the ballotmeasure, if passed, would havemajor immediate and long-termimpacts on the City’s finances,potentially affecting about 13 per-cent of Signal Hill’s General Fundbudget.

The initiative amends the CityCharter to require that all new citytaxes, assessments and fees beapproved by a two-thirds majorityvote in a special election. It alsorequires that all city taxes and feessunset every 10 years.

Maria Harris, a member of Sig-nal Hill Community First, a watch-dog group that drafted the initiative,disagreed with staff’s concerns,stating during public comment fromthe floor that the measure wouldonly apply to new sales taxes, user-utility taxes and property-relatedtaxes, assessments and fees.

“The Taxpayers’ Right to Knowand Vote will not affect the existingstructure of finances,” she said. “Itdoes provide for a greater level oftransparency to the voter.”

City Attorney David Aleshirepointed out, however, that existingtaxes, fees and assessments wouldbe impacted since the initiative, asit is written, requires they sunsetevery 10 years.

“We would not want the citycommitted to a set of payments toemployees that might not be afford-able in the future,” he said. “Wehave no problem with honoringthese contracts, but, if this measurepasses, it’s a whole new ball game.”

Vice Mayor Edward Wilson andCouncilmember Tina Hansen bothagreed with Aleshire’s interpreta-tion of the initiative. “Unfortu-nately, it’s not just anything new,”Wilson said. “It’s everything thatcurrently exists… I think it is pru-dent for us to be looking at thisissue and what fiscal impact it mayhave on the City.”

Among other provisions in thelabor deal, the City has agreed toincrease its contribution for the“cafeteria plan” benefit, giving anextra $100 per month to employeesrequiring funds for health, dental,vision and long-term-care premi-ums. Additionally, a $10-per-monthincrease is proposed for dental ben-efits.

The City is also providing a way

for police personnel to “buy back”accrued vacation time and isincreasing detective-standby payfrom $100 per weekend shift to$150 this fiscal year and $200 nextfiscal year.

Other Council highlights: Recognitions and presentationsMayor Michael Noll and city offi-cials acknowledged that the newlybuilt Signal Hill Police Station andEmergency Operations Center wasrecognized as “Project of the Year”by the Southern California Chapterof the American Public WorksAssociation. City officials gave apresentation on the award and theceremony. Noll also recognized theSignal Hill Library for its 85thanniversary, and Jennifer Northup,founder of Signal Hill-based SilverSpoon Jewelry, Inc., gave a presen-tation on her business as part of theCity’s “Shop Signal Hill” program.

Community garden project Citystaff gave a presentation on thedesign and cost estimates of theproposed Community Garden proj-ect. Though staff presented plans toadd “optional features,” such as agathering space, trellis and extratrees, which would have cost anadditional $13,000, the Councildecided not to add the features andinstead approved a new “stream-lined” design that would cost a totalof $160,000 and provides Ameri-cans with Disabilities Act (ADA)access. The City purchased theproperty that will serve as a com-munity garden at 1917 E. 21st St.,adjacent to Signal Hill Park, in 2011after a house was severely damagedfrom a fire on the property.

Cherry Avenue widening projectCity staff provided an update onthe Cherry Avenue Widening Proj-ect, stating that construction isexpected to start next summerafter being in the works for about12 years. The $3.6-million projecthas been a longtime goal of theCity to reconfigure the street toalleviate a bottleneck that formson Cherry Avenue during rush-hour traffic from Pacific CoastHighway to 20th Street. The proj-ect is being funded entirelythrough State Transportation andFederal Highway Administrationgrants. Phase 1 includes newasphalt paving, new traffic signalsat Cherry Avenue and PCH andother improvements. Phase 2includes additional new asphaltpaving and installation of a newlandscaped median. The City isexpected to advertise for construc-tion bids on the week of Jan. 6with all construction taking placefrom May through October 2014.

The next Signal Hill Councilmeeting is scheduled for Jan. 7 at7pm at the Council Chamber.

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Probate is a very costly and long process that can last from 9 to 18months in most cases. Fortunately, there are several alternatives availablethat remove the asset from one’s probatable estate while that person is stillalive. Naming a beneficiary on life insurance policies, IRA’s, 401(k)’s, andannuities before your death assures the asset is transferred straight to thechosen beneficiary. Joint Tenancy is where the owner of the asset namesa co-owner of an account or real property. Caution: Joint tenancies haverisks as the co-owner has the same rights to the asset as the original owner

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A letter authored by Con-gressmember Alan Lowenthaland signed by a delegation of 46other California Congressionalmembers was sent to Boeingexecutives earlier this month inan attempt to persuade the aero-space company to pick LongBeach, Calif. as the manufactur-ing site for the next-generation777x airliner.

The letter was sent to BoeingCEO W. James McNerney, Jr. onDec. 5, highlighting the advan-tages that Boeing would receiveif it selected Long Beach as thehome of the 777x. Lowenthal’soffice released the text of theletter on Dec. 13.

Advantages that Long Beachoffers include: “an in-place andhighly-trained Boeing work-force, which is currently build-ing the Boeing C-17Globemaster III; an existing 1-million square foot assemblyfacility; a world-class infrastruc-ture including highways, rail,and one of the most modernports in the world; an educa-tional system that turns out someof the world's most highlytrained aerospace and engineer-ing graduates; and, a highlydeveloped local and regionalsystem of parts and componentsuppliers,” according to Lowen-thal’s office.

“Long Beach has been inter-twined with aviation history formore than a century, includingthe manufacture of literally tensof thousands of commercial andmilitary aircraft” Lowenthalsaid. “There is not a locationbetter suited for producing the777x than Long Beach. We havethe best, most efficient aero-space workforce in the nation.They have proved it over andover again: on environmentalissues, on safety issues, and onperformance issues. I am willingto do whatever I can and work

with Boeing, the City of LongBeach, and Governor Brown tosee our highly skilled workforcecontinue to do what it doesbest—build world-class aircraft.This would be a win for LongBeach, for California, and forBoeing.”

Various versions of the Boe-ing 777 have been manufacturedby the aerospace company sincethe mid-1990s.

The 777x program will seethe construction of at least twonew highly-modernized ver-sions. The program could lastthrough the 2020s, creatingthousands of manufacturingjobs, as well as support and sup-plier jobs in Southern Californiaand throughout the state.

Boeing announced inNovember that it would seekbids from interested statesand/or cities for the 777x manu-facturing work.

California Gov. Jerry Brownannounced on Dec. 11 that Cali-fornia had submitted an officialbid to Boeing to bring the 777xprogram to Long Beach, wherethe C-17-assembly plant thatemploys about 1,2000 workers,is slated for closure in 2015. Thebid package included the letter

signed by the California Con-gressional delegation.

Source: Lowenthal’s office

California Congressional delegation led by Lowenthalcalls on Boeing to select Long Beach for 777x work

Courtesy BoeingBoeing announced in November that it would seek bids from interested states and/or cities for the 777x-airline manufactur-ing work. California Gov. Jerry Brown announced on Dec. 11 that the State submitted an official bid to Boeing to bring the777x program to Long Beach.

Sean Belk/Signal TribuneFor more than two decades, Long Beach has been the home of the Boeing C-17Globemaster III assembly plant, which currently employs about 1,200 workers.Now, the State of California, working with the City of Long Beach and regionalpartners, has submitted an official bid to Boeing to bring the 777x-airliner programto Long Beach.

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The Signal Hill Police Department(SHPD) Traffic Unit conducted a Driv-ing Under the Influence (DUI)/Driver’sLicense checkpoint on Saturday, Dec.14 at Willow Street and Signal Parkwaybetween the hours of 8pm and 1 am.

Out of 350 vehicles screened, nomotorists were arrested for DUI foreither alcohol or drug impairment, pos-session/transportation/sales of illegaldrugs or other criminal charges. How-ever, 11 drivers were cited and/orarrested for operating a vehicle unli-censed or for driving with asuspended/revoked license.

Checkpoints are placed in locationsthat have the greatest opportunity forachieving drunk and drugged drivingdeterrence and provide the greatestsafety for officers and the public,according to SHPD, which also statesthat the DUI/ Driver’s License check-point lowers DUI deaths and injuries.

A major component of the check-points is the deterrent effects it has on

those who might drive drunk or drug-impaired bringing about more aware-ness and encouraging everyone to usesober designated drivers, said a pressrelease from SHPD.

According to the National High-way Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), checkpoints have providedthe most effective documented resultsof any of the DUI enforcement strate-gies, while also yielding considerablecost savings of $6 for every $1 spent,according to SHPD.

Signal Hill police will be conductinganother DUI/ Driver’s License Check-point and several DUI saturation patrolsin January and February 2014 in thedepartment’s ongoing commitment to“lowering deaths and injuries upon ourstreets and highways.”

The checkpoint was funded by agrant from the California Office of Traf-fic Safety, through the NHTSA. Toreport drunk drivers, residents areencouraged to call 9-1-1.

Source: SHPD

Signal Hill checkpoint results in 11 citations but none for DUI

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DECEMBER 20, 20138 SIGNAL TRIBUNE

‘TIS THE SEASON2013 HOLIDAY SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT

Despite being known the world over asthe poem “’Twas the Night BeforeChristmas,” this Christmas classic was

actually titled “A Visit From St. Nicholas” whenit was first written in 1822. Although there havebeen some recent claims to the contrary, thepoem is generally attributed to Clement ClarkeMoore (1779-1863), a wealthy Manhattan aca-

demic whose scholarly work was eclipsed infame by this beloved tale.The poem became an instant success following

its first anonymous publication in 1823 in aTroy, N.Y. newspaper. Many also credit it withchanging the popular view of St. Nicholas, froma stern patron saint to the jovial, magical gift-giver known today as Santa Claus.

The reading of the poem has long been anannual yuletide tradition in many households –including the Griswolds’ in the film “NationalLampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989). Indeed,it’s been immortalized in everything from comicbooks to music to television specials, allowingnew generations to relive the magic of that firstencounter with the jolly old elf himself.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the __________ Not a creature was stirring, not even a __________;The __________ were hung by the __________ with careIn hopes that St. __________ soon would be there;The children were nestled all __________ in their beds,While visions of __________ danced in their heads;And mamma in her __________, and I in my __________,Had just settled our brains for a long __________’s nap,When out on the __________ there arose such a __________ ,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a __________ ,Tore open the __________ and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen __________ Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,When, what to my wondering __________ should appear,But a miniature __________, and eight tiny __________ ,With a little old __________ , so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be __________.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:Now, __________ ! Now, __________ ! Now, __________ and__________ !On, __________ ! On, __________ ! On, __________ and __________ !To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,With the sleigh full of __________ , and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the __________ The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head, and was turning around,Down the __________ St. Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in __________, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with __________ and soot;A bundle of __________ he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.His __________ – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!His cheeks were like __________, his nose like a __________ !His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,And the beard of his chin was as __________ as the snow;The stump of a pipe he held tight in his __________, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;He had a broad face and a little round __________,That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of __________.He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old __________, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;A wink of his __________ and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to __________;He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,And laying his finger aside of his __________,And giving a nod, up the __________ he rose;He sprang to his __________, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight —“__________ __________ _____ _____, _____ _____ _____ ____________ __________!”

Think you know the poem well? Fill in the blanks below to test your knowledge of this classic,including all eight original reindeer names! (hint: Rudolph isn’t one of them)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

house; mouse; stockings; chimney; Nicholas; snug; sugarplums; ‘kerchief; cap; winter; lawn; clatter; flash; shutters; snow; eyes; sleigh; reindeer; driver; St. Nick; Dasher; Dancer; Prancer; Vixen;Comet; Cupid; Donner; Blitzen; toys; roof; chimney; fur; ashes; toys; eyes; roses; cherry; white; teeth; belly; jelly; elf; eye; dread; nose; chimney; sleigh; Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

A scene from ‘Twas the NightBefore Christmas

Answers

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HOMEOF THEWORLD’S FIRSTE-HOOKAH

Carol Berg Sloan RDNColumnist

In honor of thisfestive season, hereare 12 tips to getyou through theholidays, happyand healthy.

Don’t skip meals.I used to do this in my youngerdays– not eat all day when I knewI was going out for a big dinner. Itbackfires by slowing down yourmetabolism and then usually leadsto overeating or drinking anyway.

Do enjoy in moderation. If I amgoing to a party, and a favoritedish is served, I am going to enjoyit! I'll have a couple of crackerswith spinach dip and then skip thefudge, because I really want thesavory and won’t miss the sweet.

Drink water. Especially if con-suming alcoholic beverages. Ruleof thumb: for every drink, haveeight ounces of water to stayhydrated.

Do some form of exercise eachday. Start by stretching and endwith a quick walk around theblock.

Buy your groceries from sometype of meal plan and/or list.Grocery store end caps (these areat the end of each aisle) entice you

to buy with low prices but usuallyare low-nutrition items. Stick toyour list, and get out of the storecheaper and healthier.

Have a three course meal andstart with soup. Research showsconsuming a broth-based soupbefore the main entrée leads to eat-ing less of the main dish. Have alighter dessert such as meringuesor dried fruit and nuts.

Purchase high-quality “treats.”Go ahead and buy that one Godivatruffle instead of the 3-ounce milk-chocolate bar; it’s worth it. Samefor cheese. Why eat a couple ofounces of flavorless, mild cheddarcheese when you can have a deli-cious ounce of aged gouda or Ver-mont extra-sharp white cheddar?

Try to get enough sleep. Partyingtill midnight then being up at 6amwill catch up to you and make youa grumpy human being.

Give edible gifts that will beappreciated. Bake high-fiberbanana nut bread by substitutingoat bran or ground flaxseeds forsome of the flour. Use half the but-ter or oil by substituting withapplesauce. Make your own gra-nola and add nuts, seeds and driedfruit. Place in a jelly jar with a fes-tive wrapping. People can usethese items much more than aknick-knack.

If going to a party, bring ahealthy dish. Everyone will lovea side dish of roasted vegetables,crudité with homemade hummus ortoasted, spiced mixed nuts.

Eat three to five servings of fruitsor vegetables every day. Enjoy:spaghetti squash instead of pasta;extra toppings such as radishes,onions, green beans on your salad; ormixed berries on your ice cream.Fabulous!

Enjoy these times. Don’t getstressed about details, thoroughcleaning or the perfect present.Sometimes your presence (in a jollymood) is present enough.

Carol Berg Sloan RDN is a regis-tered dietitian/nutritionist and inde-pendent consultant with expertise infood and nutrition communications.

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Making gingerbread treats — likethese ones, as seen on ÒSandra LeeCelebrates: Magical Merry Christ-masÓ — can be fun for the wholefamily

Gingerbread Cookies3 cups all-purpose flour3/4 cup brown sugar1 tbsp cinnamon1 tbsp ground ginger (fresh preferred)1/2 tsp ground cloves (fresh preferred)1/2 tsp kosher salt3/4 tsp baking soda12 tbsp-1 cup unsalted slightly soft-ened butter (cut into 12 pieces)3/4 cup molasses2 tbsp milk (whole milk preferred)

In a food processor bowl fitted withsteel blade, mix flour, sugar, cinna-mon, ginger, cloves, salt, and bakingsoda until combined. Scatter butterpieces over flour mixture and processuntil mixture is sandy and resemblesvery fine meal. With machine runningon low-med speed, gradually addmolasses and milk; mix until thedough is evenly moist and forms a soft

mass.Scrape the dough onto your work sur-face; divide in half. Work with one por-tion of dough at a time. Roll out doughbetween two large sheets of parch-ment paper until it is 1/4-inch thick.Leaving dough sandwiched betweenparchment layers, stack on cookiesheet and freeze until firm, 15 to 20minutes. (Make-ahead: Instead offreezing the dough, refrigerate it for 2hours or overnight.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Linetwo cookie sheets with parchmentpaper.

Remove one dough sheet from thefreezer; place on work surface. Peel offthe top parchment sheet and lay itback in place. Flip dough over; peel offand discard second parchment layer.

Cut dough into desired shapes; trans-fer to parchment-lined cookie sheets,spacing them 3/4-inch apart.

Bake cookies until the center is setand dough barely retains an imprintwhen touched very gently with fin-gertip, 8 to 11 minutes, rotatingcookie sheet from front to backhalfway through baking time. Do notover bake.

Remove cookie sheets from oven andleave cookies to cool on sheets for 2minutes, then remove with a spatulaand move to a wire rack to allow thecookies to cool to room tempera-ture.

Once cookies are cool, decorate asdesired. Store the cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature,

Everyone loves to get greeting cards: birthday cards, thank-you notes and holiday cards. They are part of traditions passed on to us by our grandparents.Sending a card is a great way to truly show people you care, especially when you can’t be with them.

You can keep that tradition alive by sharing cards portraying some of the stunning views atop Signal Hill. The City of Signal Hill is offering sets of four postcards(4” x 5”) and four notecards with envelopes. The cards are available for $5 at Signal Hill City Hall, 2175 Cherry Ave. Call the Community Services Department at(562) 989-7330. Proceeds benefit the Signal Hill Community Foundation.

Signal Hill cards can help loved ones keep in touch any time of year‘Tis the Season

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:57 AM Page 9

Friday, December 2010:30 a.m. (TBN) My Christmas SoldierThe story of an 11-year-old boy whosecourage transcends fear and hatred.11 a.m. (FAM) Movie “Christmas Do-Over”(2006, Family) Jay Mohr. A man is forced torelive one terrible Christmas with his ex-wifeover and over again.2 p.m. (HALL) Movie “Annie Claus is Com-ing to Town” (2011, Family) Maria Thayer.Santa’s daughter Annie Claus travels to LosAngeles in search of love.3 p.m. (GAC) Christmas Crazy We dashfrom coast-to-coast to find the most decked-out holiday homes and stores.4 p.m. (HALL) Movie “All I Want for Christ-mas” (2007, Drama) Gail O’Grady. A nine-year-old boy enters a contest to find a newhusband for his mother.5:30 p.m. (FAM) Frosty’s Winter Wonder-land The children build Frosty a companionout of snow after noticing how sad he hasbecome.6 p.m. (FAM) A Chipmunk Christmas Alvingives his harmonica to a sick boy and mustfind another for his Christmas concert.

(HALL) Movie “A Christmas Wish” (2010,Family) Kristy Swanson. A woman, left des-titute by her husband, faces a bleak Christ-mas with her children.6:30 p.m. (FAM) Movie “Dr. Seuss’ How theGrinch Stole Christmas” (2000, Fantasy) JimCarrey. The Grinch disguises himself asSanta to steal Christmas from the people ofWhoville.7 p.m. (TBN) Movie “The Perfect Gift”(2009, Drama) Jefferson Moore. A teenagedgirl has a chance encounter with a man whochanges the course of her life.8 p.m. (FOOD) Diners, Drive-Ins and DivesGuy Fieri heads up to North Pole, Alaska, forall kinds of Christmas favorites.

(HALL) Movie “The Christmas Ornament”(2013, Drama) Kellie Martin. A Christmastree lot owner helps a widow face her firstChristmas without her husband.(TNT) Christmas in Washington Celebrities

and dignitaries gather for holiday perform-ances by popular musical artists.8:30 p.m. (TBN) Vicki Yohe Christmas FromHolyland Seasonal music.9 p.m. (FAM) Movie “National Lampoon’sChristmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) ChevyChase. A man plays host to numerous dys-functional relatives during the Christmas hol-idays.

(TNT) Movie “A Christmas Carol” (1999,Drama) Patrick Stewart. A miserly old man isvisited by three ghosts in order to learn themeaning of Christmas.10 p.m. (HALL) Movie “Moonlight andMistletoe” (2008, Drama) Tom Arnold. Awoman must return to her hometown of San-taville to help her father.11 p.m. (TNT) Christmas in WashingtonCelebrities and dignitaries gather for holidayperformances by popular musical artists.Midnight (FAM) Movie “Chasing Christmas”(2005, Comedy) Tom Arnold. The Ghost ofChristmas Past escapes and leaves his sub-ject trapped in his past.(HALL) Movie “Santa Jr.” (2002, Comedy)

Nick Stabile. Santa’s adult son learns thespirit of Christmas when he takes over thefamily business.

(TNT) Movie “A Christmas Carol” (1999,Drama) Patrick Stewart. A miserly old man isvisited by three ghosts in order to learn themeaning of Christmas.

Saturday, December 2110 a.m. (FAM) ‘Twas the Night BeforeChristmas Stellar performances of classicholiday favorites by some of America’shottest singers.

(FOOD) The Pioneer Woman Ree Drum-mond celebrates the holiday season on theranch serving up her down-home classics.

(HALL) Movie “Moonlight and Mistletoe”(2008, Drama) Tom Arnold. A woman mustreturn to her hometown of Santaville to helpher father.10:30 a.m. (FAM) Rudolph’s Shiny NewYear Rudolph must find Happy, the missingbaby new year, before midnight on NewYear’s Eve.11 a.m. (GAC) All Out American ChristmasHomeowners go above and beyond tradi-tional decor to create over-the-top holidaydisplays.11:30 a.m. (FAM) Rudolph and Frosty’sChristmas in July During a July vacation,Rudolph and Frosty find themselves in dan-ger.1 p.m. (TNT) Movie “Nothing Like the Holi-days” (2008, Comedy/Drama) Alfred Molina.A Puerto Rican family spends a Christmastogether, facing the fact it may be their last.1:30 p.m. (FAM) The Year Without a SantaClaus Santa decides to take time offbecause he feels people have lost the spiritof Christmas.2 p.m. (HALL) Movie “The Santa Switch”(2013, Family) Ethan Erickson. A man isgiven the gift of being Santa this year and hefinds himself with new powers.

(TBN) Movie “A Christmas Snow” (2010,Drama) Danny Cahill. Christmas has notbeen the same for a young woman since herfather left.2:30 p.m. (FAM) Santa Claus Is Comin’ toTown Fred Astaire narrates the timeless taleof how Kris Kringle grew up to becomeSanta Claus.2:45 p.m. (TNT) Movie “Surviving Christ-mas” (2004, Comedy) Ben Affleck. A lonely,wealthy executive pays a family to let himspend Christmas with them.3 p.m. (FOOD) Diners, Drive-Ins and DivesGuy Fieri heads up to North Pole, Alaska, forall kinds of Christmas favorites.

(TRAVEL) Jingle Brawls We crisscrossedAmerica to find the most amazing Christmascelebrations imaginable.3:30 p.m. (FAM) A Chipmunk ChristmasAlvin gives his harmonica to a sick boy andmust find another for his Christmas concert.4 p.m. (FAM) Movie “National Lampoon’sChristmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) ChevyChase. A man plays host to numerous dys-functional relatives during the Christmas hol-idays.

(HALL) Movie “Finding Christmas” (2013,Family) Tricia Helfer. A disgruntled ad exec-utive and a disheartened repairman swap

houses over Christmas.(TRAVEL) Xtreme Christmas Viewers see

America’s most unusual, wild, wacky andbizarre Christmas celebrations.4:30 p.m. (TNT) Movie “Fred Claus” (2007,Comedy) Paul Giamatti. Santa bails his crim-inal brother out of jail and brings him to theNorth Pole.6 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause”(1994, Comedy) Tim Allen. When a fathermistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magicallyrecruited to take his place.(HALL) Movie “Fir Crazy” (2013, Romance)

Craig Pryce. A marketing executive discov-ers a new fondness for the holidays sellingChristmas trees.7 p.m. (TLC) Invasion of the ChristmasLights 3: Europe We criss-cross the Euro-pean continent to chronicle extreme Christ-mas lighting enthusiasts.7:30 p.m. (TCM) Movie “Christmas Eve”(1947, Drama) George Raft. A rich spinster’sgreedy nephew attempts legal action to takeher estate.8 p.m. (ABC) I Want a Dog for Christmas,Charlie Brown Linus and Lucy’s youngerbrother, ReRun, asks Snoopy to invite hisbrother Spike to visit.(FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 2” (2002,

Family) Tim Allen. After being Santa Clausfor a few years, Scott Calvin must find a wifeand help his son.

(HALL) Movie “The Christmas Blessing”(2005, Drama) Neil Patrick Harris. A manmeets a young woman and little boy who arein need of miracles for the holidays.10 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause” (2007, Family) TimAllen. Santa Claus prepares for a busyChristmas with his in-laws and the mischie-vous Jack Frost.

(HALL) Movie “The Most Wonderful Timeof the Year” (2008, Drama) Brooke Burns. Asingle mom who has lost all faith in Christ-mas finds answers when her uncle visits.11:30 p.m. (TNT) Movie “Fred Claus” (2007,Comedy) Paul Giamatti. Santa bails his crim-inal brother out of jail and brings him to theNorth Pole.Midnight (FAM) Movie “The Mistle-Tones”(2012, Musical) Tia Mowry-Hardict. A youngsinger creates her own musical Christmasgroup after losing a spot in another.

(HALL) Movie “Christmas Magic” (2011,Drama) Lindy Booth. An angel-to-be mustearn her wings by watching over a despon-dent man and his daughter.

Sunday, December 2210 a.m. (HALL) Movie “Fir Crazy” (2013,Romance) Craig Pryce. A marketing execu-tive discovers a new fondness for the holi-days selling Christmas trees.11 a.m. (TCM) Movie “Christmas in Con-necticut” (1945, Comedy/Drama) BarbaraStanwyck. A promotional stunt threatens toexpose a columnist’s fictitious housekeepingskills.Noon (HALL) Movie “Finding Christmas”(2013, Family) Tricia Helfer. A disgruntled adexecutive and a disheartened repairmanswap houses over Christmas.1 p.m. (ABC) CMA Country Christmas

Country’s biggest superstars join together tocelebrate the holidays.

(FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause” (1994,Comedy) Tim Allen. When a father mistak-enly kills Santa Claus, he is magicallyrecruited to take his place.2 p.m. (HALL) Movie “The Christmas Bless-ing” (2005, Drama) Neil Patrick Harris. Aman meets a young woman and little boywho are in need of miracles for the holidays.3 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 2”(2002, Family) Tim Allen. After being SantaClaus for a few years, Scott Calvin must finda wife and help his son.4 p.m. (FOOD) Diners, Drive-Ins and DivesGuy Fieri heads up to North Pole, Alaska, forall kinds of Christmas favorites.

(HALL) Movie “Christmas Magic” (2011,Drama) Lindy Booth. An angel-to-be mustearn her wings by watching over a despon-dent man and his daughter.5 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause” (2007, Family) TimAllen. Santa Claus prepares for a busyChristmas with his in-laws and the mischie-vous Jack Frost.6 p.m. (HALL) Movie “Naughty or Nice”(2012, Drama) Hilarie Burton. A youngwoman receives a book that reveals thegood and bad about everyone in her life.7 p.m. (FAM) Movie “Dr. Seuss’ How theGrinch Stole Christmas” (2000, Fantasy) JimCarrey. The Grinch disguises himself asSanta to steal Christmas from the people ofWhoville.8 p.m. (HALL) Movie “The Christmas Card”(2006, Drama) Edward Asner. Moved by ananonymous Christmas card, Captain CodyCullen searches for the card’s sender.

(TNT) Movie “Four Christmases” (2009,Comedy) Vince Vaughn. A couple strugglesto spend Christmas with all four of theirdivorced parents.9:30 p.m. (FAM) Movie “Dr. Seuss’ How theGrinch Stole Christmas” (2000, Fantasy) JimCarrey. The Grinch disguises himself asSanta to steal Christmas from the people ofWhoville.10 p.m. (HALL) Movie “Hitched for the Hol-idays” (2012, Romance) Joey Lawrence. Aman and woman agree to pose as eachother’s significant other to their families.

(TNT) Movie “Four Christmases” (2009,Comedy) Vince Vaughn. A couple strugglesto spend Christmas with all four of theirdivorced parents.10:30 p.m. (TBN) Jason Crabb ChristmasAt HLE Seasonal music.11:30 p.m. (TBN) Movie “Love’s ChristmasJourney” (2011, Romance) Ellie Davis. Awoman’s brother goes missing while she’svisiting him during the Christmas holiday.Midnight (HALL) Movie “November Christ-mas” (2010, Drama) John Corbett. Neigh-bors band together to create Halloween andChristmas moments for a sick girl.

Monday, December 2310 a.m. (GAC) Year ‘Round Christmas Pro-filing people who are overflowing with thespirit of Christmas all year long.11 a.m. (GAC) Christmas Crazy We dashfrom coast-to-coast to find the most decked-

out holiday homes and stores.1 p.m. (FAM) Movie “Deck the Halls” (2006,Comedy) Danny de Vito. Two feuding neigh-bors try to prove to the other that he hasmore holiday spirit.

(FOOD) Sandra’s Money Saving MealsThe holidays are here so let Sandra Leeshow you how to prepare a picture perfectfeast.2 p.m. (HALL) Movie “A Christmas WeddingTail” (2011, Comedy) Shawn Ardalan. Twodog owners owners fall in love and it’s up tothe pets to perform a Christmas miracle.3 p.m. (FAM) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(2009, Animated) Jim Carrey. Spirits visitEbenezer Scrooge and show him the errorsof his ways by revisiting his life.

(TCM) Movie “Scrooge” (1970, Musical)Albert Finney. Three spirits visit Scrooge, amiserable man soured on the meaning ofChristmas.4 p.m. (HALL) Movie “A Princess for Christ-mas” (2011, Family) Katie McGrath. A youngwoman falls for a dashing prince when shevisits England for Christmas.5 p.m. (FAM) Jack Frost Jack Frost wantsto leave his North Pole existence andbecome human.

(FOOD) The Pioneer Woman Ree Drum-mond celebrates the holiday season on theranch serving up her down-home classics.5:30 p.m. (FX) Two and a Half Men Char-lie’s preparations for his Christmas Eve dateare hampered by unexpected guests.6 p.m. (FAM) Santa Claus Is Comin’ toTown Fred Astaire narrates the timeless taleof how Kris Kringle grew up to becomeSanta Claus.(GAC) All Out American Christmas Home-

owners go above and beyond traditionaldecor to create over-the-top holiday displays.7 p.m. (FAM) The Year Without a SantaClaus Santa decides to take time offbecause he feels people have lost the spiritof Christmas.(TBN) Christmas with a Capital “C” A man

tries to rid his town of a 50 year old Christ-mas tradition.8 p.m. (ABC) Shrek the Halls Shrek, Fiona,Donkey, Puss In Boots and all their fairytalebuddies celebrate Christmas.

(CW) iHeartRadio Jingle Ball A star stud-ded concert for the holidays, featuring MileyCyrus, Robin Thicke and more.

(HALL) Movie “November Christmas”(2010, Drama) John Corbett. Neighborsband together to create Halloween andChristmas moments for a sick girl.8:30 p.m. (ABC) A Chipmunk ChristmasAlvin gives his harmonica to a sick boy andmust find another for his Christmas concert.

(GAC) The Making of ‘Cheers, its Christ-mas’ With Blake Shelton and Friends BlakeShelton gives viewers a behind the sceneslook at the recording of his new album.9 p.m. (ABC) The Great Christmas LightFight10 p.m. (ABC) The Great Christmas LightFight

(FAM) Movie “The Polar Express” (2004,Animated) Voices of Tom Hanks. A doubtinglittle boy boards a magical train to visit the

10 SIGNAL TRIBUNE DECEMBER 20, 2013

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DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 11North Pole on Christmas Eve.(GAC) All Out American Christmas Home-

owners go above and beyond traditionaldecor to create over-the-top holiday displays.

(HALL) Movie “The Wishing Tree” (2012,Family) Jason Gedrick. A professor bringsstudents together through a Christmas treedecorated with wishes.11 p.m. (TBN) Movie “Mary of Nazareth”(2012) Alissa Jung. The story of Mary ofNazareth.Midnight (FAM) Movie “Scrooged” (1988,Fantasy) Bill Murray. A callous executivelearns the true meaning of Christmas whenhe is visited by ghosts.(HALL) Movie “The Night Before the Night

Before Christmas” (2010, Family) RickRoberts. Santa Claus loses his memory andhis magical bag two days before Christmas.12:30 a.m. (GAC) The Making of ‘Cheers,its Christmas’ With Blake Shelton andFriends Blake Shelton gives viewers abehind the scenes look at the recording ofhis new album.

Tuesday, December 2410:15 a.m. (TCM) Movie “A ChristmasCarol” (1938, Drama) Reginald Owen. Ebe-neezer Scrooge learns a lesson in charityafter a visit from three spirits.10:40 a.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003,Comedy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elfat the North Pole travels to New York to findhis true father.11 a.m. (FAM) Movie “Scrooged” (1988,Fantasy) Bill Murray. A callous executivelearns the true meaning of Christmas whenhe is visited by ghosts.Noon (HALL) Movie “Finding Christmas”(2013, Family) Tricia Helfer. A disgruntled adexecutive and a disheartened repairmanswap houses over Christmas.12:20 p.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003,Comedy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elfat the North Pole travels to New York to findhis true father.1 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Polar Express”(2004, Animated) Voices of Tom Hanks. Adoubting little boy boards a magical train tovisit the North Pole on Christmas Eve.1:15 p.m. (TCM) Movie “Holiday Affair”(1949, Drama) Robert Mitchum. A manoffers to buy a model train set for a boywhose mother cannot afford it.1:30 p.m. (TBN) Jesus of Nazareth An epicchronicle of Christ.2 p.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003, Com-edy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elf atthe North Pole travels to New York to find histrue father.3 p.m. (GAC) The Making of ‘Cheers, itsChristmas’ With Blake Shelton and FriendsBlake Shelton gives viewers a behind thescenes look at the recording of his newalbum.

(TCM) Movie “It Happened on FifthAvenue” (1947, Comedy) Don DeFore.While a family is away for Christmas, a hoboand his friends live in their mansion.3:40 p.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003, Com-edy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elf atthe North Pole travels to New York to find his

true father.4 p.m. (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts ofChristmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(HALL) Movie “Debbie Macomber’s CallMe Mrs. Miracle” (2010, Drama) DorisRoberts. Mrs. Miracle, a magical lady turnsthe lives of a group of New Yorkers upsidedown.5 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause”(1994, Comedy) Tim Allen. When a fathermistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magicallyrecruited to take his place.(GAC) Christmas With Scotty McCreery &

Friends Hot young country stars join forcesin this one-hour Christmas special.

(IFC) Movie “National Lampoon’s Christ-mas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) ChevyChase. A man plays host to numerous dys-functional relatives during the Christmasholidays.

(TCM) Movie “Christmas in Connecticut”(1945, Comedy/Drama) Barbara Stanwyck.A promotional stunt threatens to expose acolumnist’s fictitious housekeeping skills.5:20 p.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003,Comedy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elfat the North Pole travels to New York to findhis true father.6 p.m. (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts ofChristmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(HALL) Movie “Single Santa Seeks Mrs.Claus” (2004, Family) Steve Guttenberg.Santa worries about turning over the reignsto his son, Nick, who hasn’t yet found awife.7 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 2”(2002, Family) Tim Allen. After being SantaClaus for a few years, Scott Calvin mustfind a wife and help his son.

(TBN) Jesus of Nazareth An epic chroni-cle of Christ.(STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003, Comedy) Will

Ferrell. A man raised as an elf at the NorthPole travels to New York to find his truefather.8 p.m. (ABC) Dr. Seuss’ How the GrinchStole Christmas A Grinch steals everythingChristmas from the Whos so they can’t cel-ebrate the holiday.

(CW) Movie “The 12 Dogs of Christmas”(2005, Family) John Billingsley. The story ofa young girl who uses dogs to teach peoplethe meaning of Christmas.

(FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol” (1951,Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts of Christ-mas past, present and future show a miserthe meaning of Christmas.(NBC) Movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946,

Drama) James Stewart. An angel shows asuicidal banker how important he has beenin the lives of others.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.8:30 p.m. (ABC) Movie “Dr. Seuss’ Howthe Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000, Fan-

tasy) Jim Carrey. A Grinch plans on stealingChristmas from the residents of Whoville,who love Christmas.8:45 p.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003,Comedy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elfat the North Pole travels to New York to findhis true father.9 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause” (2007, Family) TimAllen. Santa Claus prepares for a busyChristmas with his in-laws and the mischie-vous Jack Frost.(GAC) Christmas With Scotty McCreery &

Friends Hot young country stars join forcesin this one-hour Christmas special.10 p.m. (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts ofChristmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.10:15 p.m. (TCM) Movie “The Bishop’sWife” (1947, Comedy) Cary Grant. An angelcomes to Earth to help a bishop and his wiferaise funds to build a new church.10:30 p.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003,Comedy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elfat the North Pole travels to New York to findhis true father.11 p.m. (TBN) The Collingsworth FamilyChristmas music.11:35 p.m. (NBC) Christmas Eve Mass atSt. Peter’s Basilica in RomeMidnight (FAM) Movie “National Lam-poon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy)Chevy Chase. A man plays host to numer-ous dysfunctional relatives during the Christ-mas holidays.

(HALL) Movie “Fir Crazy” (2013,Romance) Craig Pryce. A marketing execu-tive discovers a new fondness for the holi-days selling Christmas trees.

(TBN) Movie “The Perfect Gift” (2009,Drama) Jefferson Moore. A teenaged girlhas a chance encounter with a man whochanges the course of her life.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.12:15 a.m. (STARZ) Movie “Elf” (2003,Comedy) Will Ferrell. A man raised as an elfat the North Pole travels to New York to findhis true father.

Wednesday, December 2510 a.m. (TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story”(1983, Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s,a young boy wants only one thing fromSanta: an official Red Ryder BB gun.10:30 a.m. (HALL) Movie “The SantaSwitch” (2013, Family) Ethan Erickson. Aman is given the gift of being Santa this yearand he finds himself with new powers.10:50 a.m. (STARZ) Movie “ChristmasWith the Kranks” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen.Luther and Nora Krank scramble to createthe perfect Christmas for their daughter.Noon (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts of

Christmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(HALL) Movie “A Very Merry Mix-Up”(2013, Romance) Alicia Witt. A womanforms a bond with a family that she is acci-dentally landed with over the holidays.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.1 p.m. (FAM) Movie “National Lampoon’sChristmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) ChevyChase. A man plays host to numerous dys-functional relatives during the Christmas hol-idays.2 p.m. (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts ofChristmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.3 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause”(1994, Comedy) Tim Allen. When a fathermistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magicallyrecruited to take his place.4 p.m. (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts ofChristmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.4:30 p.m. (HALL) Movie “Fir Crazy” (2013,Romance) Craig Pryce. A marketing execu-tive discovers a new fondness for the holi-days selling Christmas trees.5 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 2”(2002, Family) Tim Allen. After being SantaClaus for a few years, Scott Calvin must finda wife and help his son.6 p.m. (FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol”(1951, Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts ofChristmas past, present and future show amiser the meaning of Christmas.

(TBS) Movie “A Christmas Story” (1983,Family) Peter Billingsley. In the ‘40s, ayoung boy wants only one thing from Santa:an official Red Ryder BB gun.7 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause” (2007, Family) TimAllen. Santa Claus prepares for a busyChristmas with his in-laws and the mischie-vous Jack Frost.8 p.m. (COM) Jeff Dunham’s Very SpecialChristmas Special Comedian Jeff Dunhamperforms a holiday-themed stand-up specialwith his friends.

(FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol” (1951,Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts of Christ-mas past, present and future show a miserthe meaning of Christmas.(FOX) Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Sid

travels to the North Pole after Manny con-vinces him he is on Santa’s naughty list.

(NBC) Kelly Clarkson’s (Cautionary)Christmas Tale Kelly Clarkson learns thetrue meaning of Christmas while performingsongs from her album.

9 p.m. (FAM) Movie “National Lampoon’sChristmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) ChevyChase. A man plays host to numerous dys-functional relatives during the Christmas hol-idays.(HALL) Movie “The Christmas Ornament”

(2013, Drama) Kellie Martin. A Christmastree lot owner helps a widow face her firstChristmas without her husband.(NBC) Michael Bublé’s 3rd Annual Christ-

mas Special Grammy Award winner MichaelBublé will deliver some of his most popularsongs.10 p.m. (COM) Jeff Dunham’s Very SpecialChristmas Special Comedian Jeff Dunhamperforms a holiday-themed stand-up specialwith his friends.

(FMC) Movie “A Christmas Carol” (1951,Fantasy) Alastair Sim. The ghosts of Christ-mas past, present and future show a miserthe meaning of Christmas.11 p.m. (TBN) Donnie McClurken Christ-mas Seasonal music.

Thursday, December 2611:20 a.m. (COM) Jeff Dunham’s VerySpecial Christmas Special Comedian JeffDunham performs a holiday-themed stand-up special with his friends.2 p.m. (HALL) Movie “The Christmas Orna-ment” (2013, Drama) Kellie Martin. A Christ-mas tree lot owner helps a widow face herfirst Christmas without her husband.3 p.m. (TBN) Christmas with a Capital “C”A man tries to rid his town of a 50 year oldChristmas tradition.6 p.m. (HALL) Movie “Twice Upon a Christ-mas” (2001, Family) John Dye. Santa’sdaughter, Kristin Claus, has lost her memoryand does not know who her father is.7 p.m. (COM) Jeff Dunham’s Very SpecialChristmas Special Comedian Jeff Dunhamperforms a holiday-themed stand-up specialwith his friends.(FAM) Movie “National Lampoon’s Christ-

mas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) ChevyChase. A man plays host to numerous dys-functional relatives during the Christmas hol-idays.

(TBN) King of Kings The Jews sufferunder King Herod but the arrival of Jesusoffers them hope.8 p.m. (HALL) Movie “A Town WithoutChristmas” (2001, Drama) Patricia Heaton.A reporter and a novelist try to locate a childwho wrote a disturbing letter to Santa.9 p.m. (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause”(1994, Comedy) Tim Allen. When a fathermistakenly kills Santa Claus, he is magicallyrecruited to take his place.10 p.m. (HALL) Movie “The ChristmasBlessing” (2005, Drama) Neil Patrick Harris.A man meets a young woman and little boywho are in need of miracles for the holidays.Midnight (FAM) Movie “The Santa Clause2” (2002, Family) Tim Allen. After beingSanta Claus for a few years, Scott Calvinmust find a wife and help his son.(HALL) Movie “Karroll’s Christmas” (2004,

Comedy) Tom Everett Scott. The Christmasghosts end up at the wrong house and AllenKarroll is taken on a ride.

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:57 AM Page 11

By Shona DustanTV Media

"I have endeavored in thisGhostly little book, to raise theGhost of an Idea, which shall notput my readers out of humor withthemselves, with each other, withthe season, or with me. May ithaunt their houses pleasantly, andno one wish to lay it.”

With these words, CharlesDickens prefaced the short storythat would become a Christmasstaple. First published 170 yearsago, "A Christmas Carol" has beentranslated into dozens of lan-guages, printed and reprinted hun-dreds of times, performed intheaters across the globe and haseven been adapted into scores offilms.

Based on his introduction, itseems clear that Dickens' intentwas to inspire us, his readers, to

contemplate our lives. In readingthe story, we will hopefully assesswhether we're living life to thefullest, living up to our potentialand being kind and charitabletoward others. Do we relate toScrooge more easily than we do toCratchit? If so, maybe we havesome work to do. His intent is toinspire in a way that also enter-tains, and in this he succeeds. Somuch so that, 170 years later, mil-lions of people are still entertainedby versions of the Dickens classicevery Christmas season.

The earliest known film adapta-tion of Dickens' story was createdin 1901. It's only about five min-utes long, and you can actuallywatch it on YouTube if you're feel-ing ambitious. It's virtually impos-sible to track down every versionof "A Christmas Carol" everadapted for the screen, but trustme, there's a lot of them. Of all ofthe adaptations of "A ChristmasCarol," there are a handful thatstand out, and these versions con-stitute appointment televisionwhen they're aired each year dur-ing the Christmas season.

First among them is the 1951British film "Scrooge," starringAlastair Sim as the titular meanie.It was released in the U.S. as "AChristmas Carol" but failed toachieve the same level of successas it did in Britain. These days,though, it's equally popular onboth sides of the pond and hasattained the status of "classic." It'sSim's portrayal of the grouchyScrooge that really sets this ver-sion apart. Scrooge is a difficultcharacter to play seriously andbelievably – taking an audiencewith you on a life-changing nightfull of ghosts and time travel is nosmall task, and asking them tobelieve that Scrooge's sudden andmighty change of heart is honestand lasting is tougher still. But Simdoes it with grace, subtlety and justthe right amount of giddy humor.The film really captures the spiritof Dickens' story, and its status asa classic is well earned.

In 2009, Disney released its lat-est version of "A Christmas

Carol," starring Jim Carrey, and it'sthe next film on my list offavorites. At first glance, Carreyseems a questionable castingchoice – the most over-the-top,goofy comedian of our day playingthe oh-so-serious and loathsomeEbenezer Scrooge? – but in theend, he really pulls it off. Part ofhis success can be attributed to themedium of the film. Motion-cap-ture animation makes it possiblefor the character we see to mirrorJim Carrey's movements exactly,but also allows filmmakers tomake adjustments where neces-sary. I don't know how manyadjustments were made, but I knowthat not long into the film I'd for-gotten it was Carrey I was watch-ing and had lost myself in Dickens'classic tale. The scary ghost scenesare legitimately scary, and theawful Scrooge is legitimatelydeplorable in this version, whichmakes his redemption all thesweeter. This version is larger thanlife, and it's one that is sure to bepart of many a Christmas traditionfor years to come.

Next on the list is another Dis-ney classic, "Mickey's ChristmasCarol" (1983). I recall watchingthis one on television every yeargrowing up, and it's one I still lookfor today. This half-hour short wasactually nominated for an Acad-emy Award in 1983 (Best Ani-mated Short), and for good reason.Condensing more than 80 pages ofsource material into a half-hourcartoon is a nearly impossible task,but this Mickey Mouse version hitsevery mark just right. It's cleverand fun, and really manages toconvey the spirit of Dickens' work.Plus, unlike the 2009 version, it'ssuper kid-friendly.

Not so kid friendly is 1988's"Scrooged." I know it's not themost faithful of adaptations, but it'sjust too good to be left off this list.Bill Murray is in top form as thecynical, cruel television executive,Frank Cross (the Scrooge charac-ter), who has squandered hischances for happiness in exchangefor money and power. Cross is

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DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 13‘Tis the Season

Disney Enterprises, Inc./ImageMovers Digital LLCThe Ghost of Christmas Present and Ebenezer Scrooge, both voiced by Jim Carrey, in Disney's 2009 adaptation of AChristmas Carol

asked to oversee the broadcast of "A Christmas Carol," and ensuing eventsmirror the experiences of Scrooge in that film. Murray manages hilaritywhile still perfectly embodying the ruthless, heartless television exec. Mur-ray makes Cross's miraculous change of heart just as funny as his earliermeanness, while at the same time keeping us engaged and invested in theredemption of his character. If you've ever liked Bill Murray in a comedy,this is the Christmas movie for you.

Finally, my personal favorite is "The Muppet Christmas Carol." It wasthe first Jim Henson Productions film to be released after the death of Hen-son himself, and it's dedicated to his memory and the memory of fellow pup-peteer Richard Hunt – a perfect tribute. The film lays out Dickens' story witha wonderful mix of feeling and humor (a combination the Muppets areexceptionally good at), and the usually very serious Michael Caine shines inhis dramatic/comedic turn as Ebenezer Scrooge. The songs are catchy (youcan't have a Muppet movie without catchy tunes), puns abound and penguinsskate through the streets of London, yet there are also many misty-eyedmoments, and Scrooge's journey has never been so fun or so touching. Aswith all Muppet films, there are plenty of shenanigans going on in the back-ground – keep your eyes peeled for the kid in the Christmas marching bandwho clocks his neighbor with his trumpet, earning a head-butt and a scufflefor his efforts. That's the comedy gem that cracked us kids up every time wewatched it (full disclosure: we still watch it every year, and the Muppet slap-stick still gets us every time).

This holiday season, 170 years after the story was first published, millionsof households will sit down together to watch Dickens' story unfold, whetherin black and white or in Muppet form. I think Dickens would be glad toknow that his little story still "haunts our houses pleasantly" year after year.Check your Christmas listings and find out when your favorite version of "AChristmas Carol" airs, or maybe try watching a new one this year – the clas-sic story is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit no matter how you expe-rience it.

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Long Beach City College’s (LBCC) Cooperative AgenciesResources for Education (CARE) program’s annual gift-giving cam-paign in support of single-parent students took place on Dec. 7 witha holiday celebration at the Liberal Art Campus located at 4901 E.Carson St. at the Nordic Lounge next to the D Building lawn area.

Parents and their children received special gift items collectedfrom LBCC staff, faculty and students.

Launched on Nov. 5, the CARE program collects shampoos, con-ditioner, lotions, soaps, scrubs, hair and spa products for students andtoys for their children ages six-months to 12 years. LBCC studentsand the Long Beach community were encouraged to donate duringthe collection.

“The campaign is a way for LBCC and the community to helpsingle-parent students remain focused on their education and careergoals and not worry about the holidays and some of life’s basicitems,” said program specialist Deborah Boyle. “These students aretrying to make a better life for themselves and their child(ren). Wewant them to know that we care and want them to succeed.”

Students enrolled at LBCC, and who are part of the CARE pro-gram, are eligible. CARE assists Long Beach City College studentswho are low-income single parents in achieving their educationalgoals and transition from welfare to work.

Murad Skincare, an El Segundo-based manufacturer of world-renowned prestigious clinical skin health products, is a major con-tributor to the campaign. Murad has contributed over 200 items toenhance the quality of life for LBCC single parent students.

“We appreciate the dedication and sacrifice parents who are ontheir own make to balance college life with family life,” said HilarieMurad, president of the Murad Family Foundation. “For these par-ents, the stress of managing day-to-day life runs even higher duringthe holidays. Our company was founded on the idea that taking careof yourself first makes you better able to care for others. We arehappy to do our small part in helping single parents feel a little morecared for and less stressed.”

“We want our students who are parents to know they are sup-ported in their goals and that LBCC is a community of sharing andgiving, “ said Eric Borin, director of Extended Opportunities Pro-gram Services at LBCC. “We want to celebrate our students who areworking through parenthood and their academics by giving themeveryday items of use.”

For more information, contact Boyle by calling (562) 938-4088.

Gift items donated to struggling,single-parent LBCC students

Long Beach City College students collect items for an annual gift-giving campaignorganized by the college’s Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)program, which helps financially struggling, single-parent students.

Courtesy LBCC

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:57 AM Page 13

its stamp of approval in April thisyear that a $16-million bondissued in 2010 by the City’s for-mer redevelopment agency tofund the library’s constructionwas an enforceable obligationunder the State’s redevelopment-dissolution law.

“I’m very glad that it’s movingforward,” said Glenda Williams,director of the Long Beach publiclibrary system. “This communityhas been wanting this library forabout the last 10 to 12 years. It’sgetting so close. I’m very happythat we’ll be able to providelibrary services for that part of thecommunity that really needs it.”

At 24,500 square feet, the newlibrary is expected to be thelargest in the city and the newestbranch in the north Long Beacharea, which currently only has theNorth Neighborhood Library onOrange Avenue that was built in1951, she said.

Most libraries in Long Beachare about 7,000 square feet and

were first built in the 1950s, out-side of the Main Library in down-town Long Beach that wasconstructed in 1977, Williamssaid. Currently, the newest andlargest library in the city is the16,000-square foot Mark TwainNeighborhood Library on Ana-heim Street that opened in August2007.

“The new north library will bethe largest branch library in thesystem,” Williams said.

The new facility, just blocksfrom local schools including Jor-dan High School, will havespace for 70,000 print titles andmedia as well as three commu-nity-meeting area that the publicwill be able to rent out, she said.The library will also include a3,800 square-foot communitycenter, an outdoor patio andspace for public art.

The structure is also expectedto have 48 computers, includingthose designed for people withdisabilities, and Wi-Fi capabili-ties. Williams said Long Beachpublic library currently has down-loadable e-books, audio booksand music as well as online sub-scription databases that are allavailable at the 12 library loca-tions in the city.

Jalali said demolition of thehistoric theater, which was built inthe early 1940s, will likely takeabout four to five weeks and isbeing funded by about $300,000in federal community develop-ment block grant funds. He saidthe City plans to preserve various

historical artifacts of the theaterby incorporating them into thenew library.

Certain elements of the historicArt Deco-style theater, includingthe spire, which resembles thefamous RKO-Radio Picturestrademark, will be incorporated inthe new library that has beendesigned by LPA, Inc., Jalali said.

Local historic-building preser-vationists fought to save the nowcondemned and seismically out-dated theater, which is a remnantof the golden era of “moviepalaces.” The theater wasdesigned by prominent Los Ange-les architect Carl Boller and builtby the Stivers Brothers, accordingto historical references. The the-ater has been closed and vacantsince the 1970s.

Jalali noted that the diamond atthe top of the tower is in “a goodcondition” but the tower itself isin “a very poor condition.” Otherpieces of the theater building,including the terrazzo floors and afountain, will likely be put in anon-site display area, Jalali said.

As far as the theater’s seats, hesaid they were transported to theExpo Building in Bixby Knolls.Though the seats got wet during aroof leak when it rained, Jalalisaid they are still in “pretty goodcondition” and will be incorpo-rated into the Expo’s rehabilita-tion and may be used as seatingfor a teenage center at the newlibrary.

Jalali said he expects construc-tion of the new library to takeabout 18 to 24 months to com-plete and work will start shortlyafter the City Council awards acontractor. He said all bids for theproject should be in by April.

Once completed, city officialsexpect the new north library to bea “focal point” for new develop-ments in the community and theNorth Village business district.

Jalali added, “This project willserve as a major catalyst andanchor for future developmentopportunities in the Uptownarea.” ß

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Theatercontinued from page 1

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DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 15

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16 SIGNAL TRIBUNE DECEMBER 20, 2013PUBLIC NOTICESTST4513

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE APN: 7214-009-025 T.S. No. 004322-CA PURSUANT TOCIVIL CODE Section2923.3 NOTE: THERE ISA SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THISDOCUMENT ATTACHED IMPORTANT NOTICETO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE INDEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED6/26/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TOPROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BESOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED ANEXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THEPROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULDCONTACT A LAWYER On 12/27/2013 at 11:00AM, CLEAR RECON CORP., as duly appointedtrustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trustrecorded 7/3/2007, as Instrument No.20071587185, in Book XX, Page XX, of OfficialRecords in the office of the County Recorder ofLos Angeles County, State of CALIFORNIAexecuted by: CLARA D. PENROSE ANDDOROTHY VINCIGUERRA, TRUSTEES OFTHE PENROSE TRUST DATED NOVEMBER15, 1995 AS AMENDED AND RESTATED ONAUGUST 17, 2006 WILL SELL AT PUBLICAUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH,CASHIER'S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE ORNATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY ASTATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR ACHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERALSAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAV-INGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANKSPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINAN-CIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSI-NESS IN THIS STATE: IN THE AREA IN THEFRONT OF By the fountain located at 400 CivicCenter Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 all right, titleand interest conveyed to and now held by itunder said Deed of Trust in the property situ-ated in said County and State described as:COMPLETEL DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OFTRUST The street address and other commondesignation, if any, of the real propertydescribed above is purported to be: 2500 EASTWILLOW STREET UNIT 110 SIGNAL HILL,CALIFORNIA 90755 The undersigned Trusteedisclaims any liability for any incorrectness ofthe street address and other common designa-tion, if any, shown herein. Said sale will beheld, but without covenant or warranty, expressor implied, regarding title, possession, condi-tion, or encumbrances, including fees, chargesand expenses of the Trustee and of the trustscreated by said Deed of Trust, to pay theremaining principal sums of the note(s) securedby said Deed of Trust. The total amount of theunpaid balance of the obligation secured by theproperty to be sold and reasonable estimatedcosts, expenses and advances at the time ofthe initial publication of the Notice of Sale is:$338,267.19 If the Trustee is unable to conveytitle for any reason, the successful bidder's soleand exclusive remedy shall be the return ofmonies paid to the Trustee, and the successfulbidder shall have no further recourse. The ben-eficiary under said Deed of Trust heretoforeexecuted and delivered to the undersigned awritten Declaration of Default and Demand forSale, and a written Notice of Default and Elec-tion to Sell. The undersigned caused saidNotice of Default and Election to Sell to berecorded in the county where the real propertyis located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:If you are considering bidding on this propertylien, you should understand that there are risksinvolved in bidding at a trustee auction. You willbe bidding on a lien, not on the property itself.Placing the highest bid at a trustee auctiondoes not automatically entitle you to free andclear ownership of the property. You shouldalso be aware that the lien being auctioned offmay be a junior lien. If you are the highest bid-der at the auction, you are or may be responsi-ble for paying off all liens senior to the lienbeing auctioned off, before you can receiveclear title to the property. You are encouragedto investigate the existence, priority, and size ofoutstanding liens that may exist on this prop-erty by contacting the county recorder's officeor a title insurance company, either of whichmay charge you a fee for this information. Ifyou consult either of these resources, youshould be aware that the same lender may holdmore than one mortgage or deed of trust on theproperty. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:The sale date shown on this notice of sale maybe postponed one or more times by the mort-gagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuantto Section 2924g of the California Civil Code.The law requires that information about trusteesale postponements be made available to youand to the public, as a courtesy to those notpresent at the sale. If you wish to learn whetheryour sale date has been postponed, and, if

applicable, the rescheduled time and date forthe sale of this property, you may call (714)730-2727 or visit this Internet Web siteWWW.LPSASAP.COM, using the file numberassigned to this case 004322-CA. Informationabout postponements that are very short induration or that occur close in time to thescheduled sale may not immediately bereflected in the telephone information or on theInternet Web site. The best way to verify post-ponement information is to attend the sched-uled sale. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (714)730-2727 Date: 11/25/2013 CLEAR RECONCORP. 4375 Jutland Drive Suite 200 SanDiego, California 92117 A-4429173 12/06/2013,12/13/2013, 12/20/2013

TST4521NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TS No. 12-0080507 Doc ID #000144460582005N TitleOrder No. 12-0144187 Investor/Insurer No.4000486999 APN No. 7215-026-053 YOU AREIN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST,DATED 01/18/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKEACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, ITMAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOUNEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATUREOF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOUSHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Notice ishereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY,N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to theDeed of Trust executed by ANGEL PULEX ANUNMARRIED MAN., dated 01/18/2006 andrecorded 2/3/2006, as Instrument No. 060261893, in Book N/A, Page N/A, of OfficialRecords in the office of the County Recorder ofLos Angeles County, State of California, will sellon 01/14/2014 at 11:00AM, By the fountainlocated at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA91766 at public auction, to the highest bidderfor cash or check as described below, payablein full at time of sale, all right, title, and interestconveyed to and now held by it under saidDeed of Trust, in the property situated in saidCounty and State and as more fully describedin the above referenced Deed of Trust. Thestreet address and other common designation,if any, of the real property described above ispurported to be: 2218 OHIO AVE, SIGNALHILL, CA, 90755. The undersigned Trustee dis-claims any liability for any incorrectness of thestreet address and other common designation,if any, shown herein. The total amount of theunpaid balance with interest thereon of the obli-gation secured by the property to be sold plusreasonable estimated costs, expenses andadvances at the time of the initial publication ofthe Notice of Sale is $935,776.42. It is possiblethat at the time of sale the opening bid may beless than the total indebtedness due. In addi-tion to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier'schecks drawn on a state or national bank, acheck drawn by a state or federal credit union,or a check drawn by a state or federal savingsand loan association, savings association, orsavings bank specified in Section 5102 of theFinancial Code and authorized to do businessin this state. Said sale will be made, in an ''ASIS'' condition, but without covenant or warranty,express or implied, regarding title, possessionor encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtednesssecured by said Deed of Trust, advances there-under, with interest as provided, and the unpaidprincipal of the Note secured by said Deed ofTrust with interest thereon as provided in saidNote, plus fees, charges and expenses of theTrustee and of the trusts created by said Deedof Trust. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS Ifyou are considering bidding on this propertylien, you should understand that there are risksinvolved in bidding at a trustee auction. You willbe bidding on a lien, not on a property itself.Placing the highest bid at a trustee auctiondoes not automatically entitle you to free andclear ownership of the property. You shouldalso be aware that the lien being auctioned offmay be a junior lien. If you are the highest bid-der at the auction, you are or may be responsi-ble for paying off all liens senior to the lienbeing auctioned off, before you can receiveclear title to the property. You are encouragedto investigate the existence, priority, and size ofoutstanding liens that may exist on this prop-erty by contacting the county recorder's officeor a title insurance company, either of whichmay charge you a fee for this information. Ifyou consult either of these resources, youshould be aware that the lender may hold morethan one mortgage or deed of trust on the prop-erty. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER Thesale date shown on this notice of sale may bepostponed one or more times by the mort-gagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuantto Section 2924g of the California Civil Code.

The law requires that information about trusteesale postponements be made available to youand to the public, as a courtesy to those notpresent at the sale. If you wish to learn whetheryour sale date has been postponed, and, ifapplicable, the rescheduled time and date forthe sale of this property, you may call 1-800-281-8219 or visit this Internet Web sitewww.recontrustco.com, using the file numberassigned to this case TS No. 12-0080507.Information about postponements that are veryshort in duration or that occur close in time tothe scheduled sale may not immediately bereflected in the telephone information or on theInternet Web site. The best way to verify post-ponement information is to attend the sched-uled sale. DATED: 12/28/2012 RECONTRUSTCOMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone:(800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By: Trustee's Sale Officer RECONTRUSTCOMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attemptingto collect a debt. Any information obtained willbe used for that purpose. A-443247712/20/2013, 12/27/2013, 01/03/2014

TST4520APN: 7216-017-016 TS No: CA08000815-13-1 TO No: 1470214 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'SSALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEEDOF TRUST DATED April 27, 2004. UNLESSYOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOURPROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLICSALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OFTHE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGSAGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT ALAWYER.  On January 7, 2014 at 09:00 AM,behind the fountain located in Civic CenterPlaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA91766, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps,as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pur-suant to the power of sale contained in that cer-tain Deed of Trust Recorded on May 7, 2004 asInstrument No. 04 1153794 of official records inthe Office of the Recorder of Los AngelesCounty, California, executed by JUAN M.GOMEZ, JR AND CORINNA GOMEZ, HUS-BAND AND WIFE AS COMMUNITY PROP-ERTY WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP, asTrustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELEC-TRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. asnominee for AMERICORP CREDIT CORP asBeneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTIONTO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money ofthe United States, all payable at the time ofsale, that certain property situated in saidCounty, California describing the land thereinas: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAIDDEED OF TRUST    The property heretoforedescribed is being sold “as is”. The streetaddress and other common designation, if any,of the real property described above is pur-ported to be: 2315-2317 EAST 19TH STREET,SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755   The undersignedTrustee disclaims any liability for any incorrect-ness of the street address and other commondesignation, if any, shown herein.  Said salewill be made without covenant or warranty,express or implied, regarding title, possession,or encumbrances, to pay the remaining princi-pal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed ofTrust, with interest thereon, as provided in saidNote(s), advances if any, under the terms of theDeed of Trust, estimated fees, charges andexpenses of the Trustee and of the trusts cre-ated by said Deed of Trust.  The total amountof the unpaid balance of the obligationssecured by the property to be sold and reason-able estimated costs, expenses and advancesat the time of the initial publication of thisNotice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be$378,936.21 (Estimated). However, prepay-ment premiums, accrued interest and advanceswill increase this figure prior to sale. Benefi-ciary’s bid at said sale may include all or part ofsaid amount. In addition to cash, the Trusteewill accept a cashier’s check drawn on a stateor national bank, a check drawn by a state orfederal credit union or a check drawn by a stateor federal savings and loan association, sav-ings association or savings bank specified inSection 5102 of the California Financial Codeand authorized to do business in California, orother such funds as may be acceptable to theTrustee. In the event tender other than cash isaccepted, the Trustee may withhold theissuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale untilfunds become available to the payee orendorsee as a matter of right. The propertyoffered for sale excludes all funds held onaccount by the property receiver, if applica-ble.  If the Trustee is unable to convey title forany reason, the successful bidder’s sole andexclusive remedy shall be the return of moniespaid to the Trustee and the successful biddershall have no further recourse.    Notice toPotential Bidders  If you are considering bid-ding on this property lien, you should under-stand that there are risks involved in bidding ata Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien,not on the property itself. Placing the highestbid at a Trustee auction does not automaticallyentitle you to free and clear ownership of theproperty. You should also be aware that the lien

being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If youare the highest bidder at the auction, you are ormay be responsible for paying off all liens sen-ior to the lien being auctioned off, before youcan receive clear title to the property. You areencouraged to investigate the existence, prior-ity, and size of outstanding liens that may existon this property by contacting the countyrecorder's office or a title insurance company,either of which may charge you a fee for thisinformation. If you consult either of theseresources, you should be aware that the sameLender may hold more than one mortgage orDeed of Trust on the property.  Notice to Prop-erty Owner  The sale date shown on this Noticeof Sale may be postponed one or more timesby the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or acourt, pursuant to Section 2924g of the Califor-nia Civil Code. The law requires that informa-tion about Trustee Sale postponements bemade available to you and to the public, as acourtesy to those not present at the sale. If youwish to learn whether your sale date has beenpostponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduledtime and date for the sale of this property, youmay call Priority Posting and Publishing at 714-573-1965 for information regarding theTrustee's Sale or visit the Internet Web siteaddress listed below for information regardingthe sale of this property, using the file numberassigned to this case, CA08000815-13-1.Information about postponements that are veryshort in duration or that occur close in time tothe scheduled sale may not immediately bereflected in the telephone information or on theInternet Web site. The best way to verify post-ponement information is to attend the sched-uled sale.  Date: December 4, 2013 TRUSTEECORPS  TS No. CA08000815-13-1  17100Gillette Ave  Irvine, CA 92614  949-252-8300    Joseph Barragan, Authorized Signa-tory  SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINEDON LINE AT www.priorityposting.com  FORAUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASECALL: Priority Posting and Publishing at 714-573-1965  TRUSTEE CORPS MAY BE ACTINGAS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TOCOLLECT A DEBT.  ANY INFORMATIONOBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PUR-POSE. P1073584 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/2013 

TST4512 / 2013 243257FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENTThe following person is doing business as:THE BLACKBERRY PATCH COTTAGE,9753 Flower St., Bellflower St., Bellflower,CA 90706. Registrant: GLORIA J.DYSON, 3313 Maine Ave., Long Beach,CA 90806. This business is conducted by:an Individual. I declare that all informa-tion in this statement is true and correct.Signed: Gloria J. Dyson. The registranthas begun to transact business under thefictitious business name or names listedherein. The registrant began using this fic-titious business name on November 11,2013. This statement was filed with thecounty clerk of Los Angeles County onNovember 25, 2013. NOTICE: This ficti-tious business name statement expiresfive years from the date it was filed in theoffice of the county clerk. A new fictitiousbusiness name statement must be filedprior to that date. The filing of this state-ment does not of itself authorize the usein this state of a fictitious business namein violation of the rights of another underfederal, state, or common law (see sec-tion 14411 et seq., Business and Profes-sions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune:November 29, & December 6, 13, 20,2013.

TST4508 / Case No. NS026913oRDER To SHoW CAUSE FoR

CHANGE oF NAME,SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA,COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SOUTHDISTRICT,275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA90802.PETITION OF David Robert Stein, ForChange of Name.TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:1. Petitioner DAVID ROBERT STEIN, fileda petition with this court for a decreechanging names as follows: PresentName: DAVID ROBERT STEIN to Pro-posed Name: DAVID ROBERT MARTIN.2. THE COURT ORDERS that all personsinterested in this matter shall appearbefore this court at the hearing indicatedbelow to show cause, if any, shy the peti-tion for change of name should not begranted. NOTICE OF HEARING:Date: January 7, 2014; Time: 8:30 A.M.;Dept. S26. The address of the court is thesame as above. A copy of this Order to

Show Cause shall be published at leastonce each week for four successiveweeks prior to the date set for hearing onthe petition in the following newspaper ofgeneral circulation, printed in this county,THE SIGNAL TRIBUNE, 939 E. 27th.Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755: November29, & December 6, 13, 20, 2013.___//ss//___Michael P. Vicencia, Judge of the SuperiorCourtDated: November 18, 2013

TST4515 / 2013 247745FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENTThe following person is doing business as:MOONLIGHTNING MOTORIZED & PEDALBIKES, 150 W. Lomita Blvd., Wilmington, CA90744. Registrant: CARL BALLANTYNE,150 W. Lomita Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744.This business is conducted by: an Individual.I declare that all information in this statementis true and correct. Signed: Carl Ballantyne.The registrant has begun to transact busi-ness under the fictitious business name ornames listed herein. The registrant beganusing this fictitious business name in Decem-ber, 2012. This statement was filed with thecounty clerk of Los Angeles County onDecember 3, 2013. NOTICE: This fictitiousbusiness name statement expires five yearsfrom the date it was filed in the office of thecounty clerk. A new fictitious business namestatement must be filed prior to that date.The filing of this statement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this state of a fictitiousbusiness name in violation of the rights ofanother under federal, state, or common law(see section 14411 et seq., Business andProfessions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune:December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2013.

TST4519 / 2013 252169FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENTThe following persons are doing business as:OLYMPIC CLEANERS, 2063 Pacific Ave.,Long Beach, CA 90806. Registrant: 1. JAESIK KIM, 2. KYUNG JA KIM, 19506 FagianWay, Cerritos, CA 90703. This business isconducted by: a General Partnership. Ideclare that all information in this statementis true and correct. Signed: Jae Sik Kim.The registrant has begun to transact busi-ness under the fictitious business name ornames listed herein. The registrant beganusing this fictitious business name onMarch 15, 1990. This statement was filedwith the county clerk of Los Angeles Countyon December 10, 2013. NOTICE: This ficti-tious business name statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filed in the officeof the county clerk. A new fictitious busi-ness name statement must be filed prior tothat date. The filing of this statement doesnot of itself authorize the use in this state ofa fictitious business name in violation of therights of another under federal, state, orcommon law (see section 14411 et seq.,Business and Professions Code). Pub. TheSignal Tribune: December 13, 20, 27, 2013& January 3, 2014.

TST4523 / 2013 256272FICTITIoUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENTThe following person is doing business as:GREAT COMMISSION BAPTIST MIS-SIONS, 3332 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach,CA 90806. Registrant: PACIFIC BAPTISTCHURCH, 3332 Magnolia Ave., LongBeach, CA 90806. This business is con-ducted by: a Corporation. I declare that allinformation in this statement is true andcorrect. Signed: Steve Meyers, President.The registrant has begun to transact busi-ness under the fictitious business name ornames listed herein. The registrant beganusing this fictitious business name onNovember 5, 2013. This statement wasfiled with the county clerk of Los AngelesCounty on December 16, 2013. NOTICE:This fictitious business name statementexpires five years from the date it was filedin the office of the county clerk. A new ficti-tious business name statement must befiled prior to that date. The filing of thisstatement does not of itself authorize theuse in this state of a fictitious businessname in violation of the rights of anotherunder federal, state, or common law (seesection 14411 et seq., Business and Pro-fessions Code). Pub. The Signal Tribune:December 20, 27, 2013 & January 3, 10,2014.

CITY OF SIGNALHILLTST4522

NoTICE oF oRDINANCE ADoPTIoN

Ordinance No. 2013-11-1463 was adopted by the City Council at their meet-ing of Tuesday, December 17, 2013. A summary of the ordinance is as fol-

lows:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL,CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3.28 OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICI-PAL CODE ENTITLED “CLAIMS AGAINST CITY” ADDING PROCEDURALREQUIREMENTS FOR CLAIMS MADE AGAINST CITY IN COMPLIANCE

WITH THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE

The ordinance was adopted by the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Michael J. Noll, Vice Mayor Edward H.J. Wilson, CouncilMembers Larry Forester, Tina L. Hansen, Lori Y. Woods

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Pursuant to Signal Hill City Charter Section 315, this ordinance shall becomeeffective thirty days from and after the date of its adoption. A certified copy of

the full text of the ordinance is available in the City Clerk’s Office.

Kathleen L. PachecoCity Clerk

Published in the Signal-Tribune newspaper on December 20, 2013.Posted at City Hall, Library, Discovery Well Park, and Reservoir Park on

December 20, 2013.

Sign up for your subscription & receive the Signal Tribune by first-class mail!

www.signaltribune.com Questions or comments? (562) 595-7900

NAME_________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS______________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY___________________________________________________________________________________________________

STATE & ZIP CODE______________________________________________________________________________________

To purchase an annual subscription, send this form and a check for $50 to:939 E. 27th St., Signal Hill, CA 90755

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ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:58 AM Page 16

a living wage really does for the over-all health and economic health of thecity,” Garcia said.

An ordinance would apply towardnew contracts with current food-conces-sion businesses at the airport and conven-tion center if the contracts wererenegotiated or amended in the future, aspokesperson for O’Donnell’s office con-firmed Thursday.

Fifth District Councilmember GerrieSchipske also favored a hike in salary forairport and convention center concessionworkers. She said about 23 percent of theLong Beach population lives at or belowthe poverty line.

“When people have to struggle andwork two or three jobs just simply, simplyto survive,” Schipske said, “that’s wrong.And in a city this size, I think…we are send-ing a very strong message.”

There were a number of people whoseemed to agree with the councilmembersduring the comment period, however out ofthe handful of speakers on Tuesday, onlyone individual was directly affected by theCouncil action.

Speaking through a Filipino-languagetranslator, one man, who said he works forboth the Hyatt Hotel and the Long BeachConvention Center, spoke of the disparity inthe wages between his two jobs. At thehotel, he said he is paid $14 per hour, and atthe convention center, he only earns $8.60per hour. He added that, at the conventioncenter, he doesn’t get vacation pay and does-n’t have medical benefits.

Even though they weren’t directlyaffected by the proposed wage increase, anumber of people in the Council Chamberwho represented community and labororganizations sympathized with workers atthe airport and convention center. A fewspoke out.

April Sanchez works in customer serv-ice in the coffee industry and attends Cali-fornia State University, Long Beach with adouble major in sociology and communi-cations studies. She says she used to live inLong Beach until she had an economic

hardship. Currently residing in San Pedro,the 28-year-old said in an interview Tuesdaynight that she wants to return to LongBeach.

Sanchez is a part of the Long BeachCoalition for Good Jobs and a HealthyCommunity, an organization which hassupported the wage hikes for the airport andconvention workers and campaigned forMeasure N in 2012.

“Working [in] customer service, I canidentify with the hardships of other low-wage workers,” Sanchez told the Coun-cil, “because I know firsthand howdifficult it can be to put on a happy faceand provide that outstanding customerservice when I’m worried I won’t be ableto make my rent for the month or even ifI’ll be able to buy Christmas presents formy family.”

Sanchez said she has been working ather job for three years, and even withannual raises and an anticipated promotion,she still earns “poverty-level wages.”

Eric Tandoc is a member of the steeringcommittee for the same coalition and alsorepresents the Filipino Migrant Center inLong Beach. A 7th-district resident, Tandoctold the Council that he favored a wageincrease for workers. He remembered howhe and other volunteers campaignedthroughout the city in support of Measure N.

“The reason people support a livingwage,” Tandoc said Tuesday, “is becausethey know that the alternative to a livingwage is a poverty wage.”

Only one individual at the Council meet-ing spoke out against Measure N. He saidthat while some individuals may be doingbetter after measure was passed, the initiativeordinance has decreased the number of jobsfor hotel workers.

“You know, considering that Californiais the worst business climate in all 50 statesfor three, four years running under the helmof Democrats,” he concluded, “I don’t thinkthat we should be embracing a Democrateconomic policy, which is all this is.”

A draft of the ordinance may be broughtbefore the City Council by January or Feb-

ruary, City Attorney Charles Parkin con-firmed Thursday in a telephone interview.

In a second-reading vote, the Councilalso passed later that night two other ordi-nances relating to the airport and convention-center workers. One ordinance requiredfood-service-concession businesses tosign labor-peace agreements withemployee organizations. Another ordi-nance established worker-retentionrequirements, stating that it aimed toreduce employee turnover and work-place instability. ß

EYE ON CRIMEwww.signaltribune.com

Something on your mind?Visit our website andleave a comment!

Name of Business: The Vape DepotName of Owners: Mousa & Ramzy Rahib (brothers), Managed by Alex and Amanda Shor (husband & wife)Address: 2139 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach CA 90815 Phone: 562-494-1442Hours: M-Thurs: 10am till 8pm, Friday & Sat: 10am till 10pm, Sunday: 10am till 7pmWhat type of business: Electronic Cigarette Retail How long in business: Opened October of 2013Unique features of business:Clean-cut and friendly staff, lounge area for games and electronic hookah rentals,movie nights on the big screen, electronic cigarette workshops with no sales pressure (advice and pep-talks arealways free.) Non-threatening décor—we don’t look like a head shop! Our house E-liquid is 100% all natural and ismade with kosher vegetable glycerin.What do you want your new customers to know: We carry a large inventory of devices and liquids and have some-thing for everyone- from beginners to advanced users. We aren’t snobby about vaping—you want a rebuildable withceramic wicks and high resistance coil on a variable voltage mod? That’s cool. You want a disposable? That’s cool too.We always have something on special and we also give discounts to college students, teachers, active military, police,and firefighters, and senior citizens.Website: www.thevapedepot.com Social networks: We’re on Facebook under the name “The Vape Depot.”

SIGNAL TRIBUNE’S FOCUS ON BUSINESS

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CJ Dablo/Signal TribuneIn the Council Chamber at Long Beach City Hall, advocates in favor of increasing the salaries for food-service workers atthe airport and convention center held up yellow signs calling for a “living wage” during the Dec. 17 City Council meeting.The Council voted in favor of asking the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would require airport and convention centerconcessionaire workers a higher minimum wage consistent with Measure N, a law passed last year by voters to mandate a$13-an-hour wage for workers in hotels with 100 rooms or more.

DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 17NEWSLB Councilcontinued from page 1

Crimes reported by LBPDCouncil Districts 6, 7 & 8

Thursday, Dec. 12Residential burglary10:45am– 4300 block Cerritos Ave.

Grand theft auto4pm– PCH/MLK Bl.

Grand theft auto8:30pm– 3900 block Virginia Rd.

Grand theft auto8:30pm– 4200 block Boyar Ave.

Friday, Dec. 13 Commercial burglary7:30am– 4100 block Cherry Ave.

Sunday, Dec. 15Grand theft auto12:30pm- 1900 block Long Beach Blvd.

Grand theft auto8:30pm– Pepper Dr./Long Beach Blvd.

Monday, Dec. 16Recovered stolen vehicle11:25am– 700 block W. Willow St.

Crimes reported by SHPDCitywide

Thursday, Dec. 12Residential burglary8:30am– 1800 block Stanley Ave.

Recovered stolen vehicle9:46am– 3200 block Lewis Ave.

Recovered stolen vehicle10:03am– E. 33rd St./Lewis Ave.

Petty theft5:02pm– 700 block E. Spring St.Suspect in custody.

Stolen vehicle8:15pm– E. 21st St./Cherry Ave.

Friday, Dec. 13 Grand theft; property9:30am– 2100 block E. 21st St.Named suspect.

Nonsufficient funds; check1:56pm– 2700 block Gundry Ave.Two named suspects.

Non-injury hit-and-run2:30pm– 1700 block E. Willow St.

Battery8:14pm– 1900 block E. 20th St.

Saturday, Dec. 14 Identity Theft2:30pm– 1800 block Orizaba Ave.

Auto burglary2:20pm– 2100 block E. Hill St.

Residential burglary3:30pm– 1900 block Junipero Ave.

Sunday, Dec. 15DUI2:40am– E. PCH/Temple Ave.Suspect in custody.

Residential burglary11:32am– 2100 block E. Hill St.

Residential burglary2:45pm– 2100 block E. 21st St.

Stolen vehicle5:22pm– 2200 block E. Willow St.

Sexual battery restrained person– felony6:30pm– E. 19th St./Molino Ave.Named suspect.

Monday, Dec. 16Commercial robbery10:58am– 700 block E. Spring St.Suspect in custody.

Tuesday, Dec. 17Commercial burglary3:52pm– 2400 block Cherry Ave.Three juvenile subjects in custody.

Wednesday, Dec. 18Grand theft 12:07pm– 1400 block E. Willow St.

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:58 AM Page 17

Cory BilickoManaging Editor

In 100 words or less, what you doas an artist?I’m an abstract painter. My pre-ferred media are watercolor,acrylic and mixed media. I lovecolor and movement.

What motivates you to createart?My current feelings. I love to bringto life short stories I have in myhead by painting on canvas orpaper.

How has your practice changedover time?

I am influenced by Asian art asmy father was half-Vietnamese. Ilike to simplify my composition.

Do you ever get artist’s block? Ifso, how do you combat it?It can happen when I feeldepressed. I combat it by paintingsmall watercolors.

What do you think your lifewould be like if, for some reason,you could no longer create art?Difficult to imagine. Life would beboring.

What role does the artist have insociety?If I knew the answer, I very likely

wouldn’t be an artist myself.

How do you feel when people askyou to explain the meaning ofyour art? I’m not comfortable with it. It’s verypersonal. I don’t want to share aboutit except if the person asking is aclose friend.

Have you ever been banned orcensored to any degree as anartist? If so, how did you react? Ifnot, how do you think you wouldreact in that situation?Never. I would react violently.

Does your artistic life ever getlonely? If so, what do you do tocounteract it?Yes, sometimes. I wait.

What do you hope to achieve withyour art?Personal achievement.

What are one or two primaryareas of fear for you as an artist?Not being able to express my feelingsproperly.

What are one or two factors that,when they’re in place, enable youto really flourish artistically?

Having to prepare many artisticevents.

What jobs have you had other thanbeing an artist?Mathematics teacher and marketingin an IT company.

What’s your favorite color?Blue.

To view more of Clavel’s work, visitannieclavel.com .

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Annie Clavel

“Climax,” acrylic on canvas

“Flight,” watercolor on Yupo paper

“Departure,” acrylic on linen

DECEMBER 20, 201318 SIGNAL TRIBUNE CULTUREImitating Life

Posing questions for local artist Annie Clavel

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:58 AM Page 18

For more information, call the Water ConservationHotline: 562-989-7350

Approved Watering Sched-Watering is approved on the following days:

Monday, Thursday, and Saturdaybefore 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm

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Long Beach SymphonyOrchestra’s (LBSO) latestinstallment of its free “Sounds& Spaces” series called “Clas-sic American 2” returns toFarmers & Merchants Bank indowntown Long Beach nextmonth. The performance is onJan. 19 at 4pm.

String-quartet music will beperformed by the LBSO’sRoger Wilkie and CarrieKennedy (violins) Colleen Sug-ata (viola) and Trevor Handy(cello). This year, Sounds &Spaces presents Joseph Haydn’slate Quartet in G Opus 76, No.1, written during Haydn’s returnto supervising musical life atPrince Esterhazy’s gilded Aus-trian palace, and AntonínDvořák’s lyrical String QuartetNo. 12, The American.

According to LBSO, the his-toric Farmers & MerchantsBank building at 302 Pine Ave.is “one of Long Beach’s moststunning architectural andacoustical treasures” and themusical works will be “right athome in the exquisite architec-tural detail of the interior of thebank.”

LBSO’s other Sounds &Spaces performances will takeplace at St. Luke’s EpiscopalChurch on Feb. 23, TempleIsrael on March 23 and Home-land Cultural Center on May 18.

MORE INFORMATIONlbso.org

LB Symphony Orchestra’s next free‘Sounds & Spaces’ concert is Jan. 19

Gymnastics & TumblingBoys and Girls (Walking–18 years)

We do kids’ birthday parties, too!

FREELESSON!

1901 Obispo Ave.Signal Hill 562-494-0087Open Monday–Saturdaywww.American-Gymnastics.com

DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 19CULTURE

Courtesy LBSOThe Farmers & Merchants Bank in downtown Long Beach that was built in 1923will be the site of Long Beach Symphony Orchestra’s free Sounds & Spaces series.

Banquet Roomavailable for

parties or events atBellflower-LB

Elks Lodge, 16426Bellflower Blvd. CallSteve at (562) 925-

5750 for details.

FoR RENT

Courtesy LBSOThe Farmers and Merchants Bank in downtown Long Beach is located at 302 Pine Ave.

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:58 AM Page 19

HappyHolidays!

DECEMBER 20, 2013 SIGNALTRIBUNE 20

Tree and Menorah lighting took place in theparking lot of Nino's Ristorante on Friday,December 6 at the First Friday's event.

Signal Hill Police Chief Michael Langstontrying to convince Santa that he belongs onthe “nice” list

Washington Middle School Patriots smile for the photographer.

(Below) Sharon, a participant atAbility First, shows off her newlycompleted ornament.

Stephanie works on a holidaydecoration with Ability First staffmember Bryce Brahmbhatt at theElks 888 holiday party.

Wrigley residents Ali Morgan Barrett and Darrell Barrett, who create their own authentic Christmas displayseach year in front of their home at 434 W. 31st St., have decorated their residence with a theme they call“Neighborhood Flakes.” This year, the homeowners are encouraging visitors who drop by to view theirdisplay to also drop off non-parishable food items that will be donated to the Long Beach Rescue Mission(LBRM). Barrels for the collection are provided. For more information on what and how to donate, visitlbrm.org/how-you-can-help/needs .

Courtesy the Barretts

Photos by Neena Strichart

Long Beach City College District

Board of Trustees ready to

parade down Daisy Avenue.

Paradeviewers enjoying theevening’s festivities

Jackie Robinson Academy on parade

Photo by Reuben Tolentino American Gymnastics Academy students performtheir holiday spectacular on Dec. 14.

ST3529 - Dec. 20_Layout 1 12/20/13 8:58 AM Page 20