By Neena Strichart
More than a decade ago, I wrote a column for the Signal titled “So, What’s New?” In the weekly article, I reported tidbits of information that might not have otherwise found its way into print. I think my first column told about a new menu at a North Long Beach restaurant and reported on Signal Hill Councilmember Mike Noll’s new dog Sophie.
This week I am going to reprise the column because there are so many things happening, and I’d hate for our readers to miss out.
The Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce and the City of Signal Hill have combined efforts and published a new city map, which includes local business ads on one side and the city’s trail system on the back. Also included is a list of important city phone numbers and a bit about the city’s history. Stop by City Hall, 2175 Cherry Ave., to pick up your free map.
Tu Casa furniture store just moved from their Pacific Avenue location to 1881 Long Beach Blvd. The new location is huge with lots of parking. Stop by and say hello to owner Humberto Lara and his staff. The phone number is still (562) 599-0200.
If you’re looking for local inexpensive entertainment, check out Long Beach Playhouse’s suspense thriller Dead Guilty by Richard Harris. According to the playhouse’s press release, “Dead Guilty‘s main strand of Machiavellian villainy explores notions of guilt and responsibility.” The Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St. Dead Guilty runs to November 7. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm. For tickets, visit the Long Beach Playhouse Box Office from 3:30pm to 8pm Wednesday through Saturday, and one hour before curtain on Sunday, or call (562) 494-1014. Tickets are $25 for opening night; 2 for $20 for the preview; $22 general admission, $20 for seniors and $12 for students (with valid ID). For more information or online purchases, visit www.lbph.com.
Thai food lovers, rejoice! The owners of Thai Sky Restaurant (2415 Pacific Ave.) have opened a second location called Thiptara at 5630 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. The new eatery occupies the space where Mexican Affair restaurant resided for decades. Try the pad woon sen— yum!
On a personal note, I want to thank everyone who helped me and Steve put together Mom’s 90th birthday party last Sunday. We had a ball— all 100 of us! My office staff gave not only moral support but used their talents to create a memoir book for Mom with a spare to be used as a yearbook-type book for guests to sign. Darling Rachael Rifkin spent countless hours interviewing Mom for the book. She did a fabulous job.
A very special thanks goes out to Triple R Catering for the delicious food and beverages, Miss Priss Cupcakes for their incredible mini-cupcakes called “bittles” and to Alan Katz for his renditions of Frank Sinatra tunes. Also, Trader Joe’s in Bixby Knolls ordered more than a dozen of the most beautiful orchids I have ever seen to be used as part of the centerpiece decorations for each table. We celebrated at the Signal Hill Community Center— another big thanks from Steve and me to the city staff, and especially to Arthur for helping us put on an event to remember.