Beach bummer
My reason for writing this article is to inform others about the litter and waste issue at the beaches in Long Beach.
Waste and litter are polluting the beaches in Long Beach. This is a huge problem because litter can be dangerous to sea animals. It can harm them in many different ways. For example, sea animals can mistake litter for food and accidentally ingest it and they can get tangled in it too. Data and statistics show that there are nearly 2,500 pounds of trash per kilometer of beach and that $11.5 billion is spent every year to clean it up.
The issue of litter on the beaches can be linked to many different solutions. One solution is that you can recycle and even pick up one piece of litter each day. Imagine how clean the beaches would be if everyone picked up one piece of litter a day.
Another solution is to help inform others about how litter affects us and the ocean. Some other solutions could be to post “stop littering” signs and organizing community beach clean-up events.
Just imagine how different and how clean our beaches and city would be if everyone in Long Beach picked up one piece of litter a day.
Ashley Moore
Freshman
Poly High School
Long Beach
Happy meals
As it’s nearing a year since I had good Chinese food, I have very fond memories of Le Yen [“After 45 years of serving family’s recipes, Bixby Knolls Chinese restaurant closing its doors,” July 10, 2015].
I started coming here every weekend about 1970 with my mom, aunt and grandmother; occasionally we would be joined by my uncle (and his wife), my great uncle (and his wife) and my great aunt (and her husband). All have passed on, and just coming here for take-out last June and speaking with the owner’s son I found out they were closing (sad for me, but happy for their family). They are a very nice family. I can remember their mom asking me if I hurt my foot one day because I was limping, and she said, “Wait, I want to give you something for your foot.” — Tiger Balm.
I saw their children grow up as I grew up, and my only hope is that someday they write a bestseller cookbook of all their recipes for us home cooks— especially egg foo yung and chicken moo goo gai pan!
Gale Tobin
(Website Comment)
Hoping for interceptions and returns
Late last week the Los Angeles Police Department, in partnership with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and FBI, conducted a major operation throughout the region to crackdown on human-trafficking suspects and rescue victims.
Thanks to the work of our law-enforcement heroes, 12 children who were brutally forced into a life of exploitation and abuse are now on the path to a better life, and nearly 200 suspects and pimps are off the streets. Now that these kids are free from the clutches of evil, they will be connected with the lifesaving programs and services they need to get on the road to recovery.
Operation Rebuild and Recover was a tremendous victory in the war on child sex trafficking, but there’s a bigger battle brewing this week: Super Bowl 50.
The Big Game is one of the biggest draws for sex trafficking activity, and it’s being played in one of the country’s largest hubs for this heinous crime. The Super Bowl host city is not the only focus. Parties in Las Vegas and other parts of the country are hotbeds for the sexual exploitation of juveniles.
Already in Los Angeles County, seven of our girls in placements have gone AWOL in the last week, and are possibly on their way to the Bay Area or are being trafficked to other locations. While the players and predictions will tie up the news this week, let’s not forget our most vulnerable children, many of whom could be in great danger.
Don Knabe
Fourth District Supervisor
Los Angeles County
Minding our businesses
What does it take to serve as a volunteer in the City of Signal Hill? A big heart and a warm smile. Signal Hill’s Chamber of Commerce has those qualities and more. They have shown, through teamwork, selflessness and dedication, that a community can come together to make things better for everyone. Members of the chamber have utilized their business skills and devoted countless hours of their time in pursuit of a common vision, for “Love of the greater good for our businesses and the community.”
I have had similar experiences with other nonprofit organizations, but here I would like to focus specifically on the chamber of commerce in Signal Hill. Admittedly, I am biased, but I have good reasons to be. The chamber’s outgoing board of directors for the year 2015 is an example of excellence at its best. They took a moribund chamber and resuscitated it, literally, by bringing it back to life and making it better than ever. They created new operating systems in order to run it like a business, meeting their goals and building a foundation of sustainability for future members. They set an example for other chambers, showing that anything is possible, even in the face of adversity if they stay the course. We had a rough time in the beginning, but, eventually, we all got through it.
In recognition of their achievements, I would like to honor these men and women: Past President Shari Blackwell, 2009 to 2010, The Undershirt; 1st Vice President Ashley Schaffer, Signal Hill Petroleum, Inc.; 2nd Vice President Octavio Duran, EDCO Disposal; Secretary Melissa Guy, Urban Media Foundation; Treasurer Judie Johnsen, 2010-2015, Quickbooks consultant; Director MU Zhang, Encore Awards/Jenson Rubber Stamps; Director Cecelia Pinel, O’Healy Commercial Real Estate; Director Mercedes Sepko, Marketink; Director Michael Coso, Allegra Printing; and Director Marcus Guy, Asset Media Group.
All of these men and women are exceptional for the commitment that they gave to chamber. Working together, they made it grow to be one of the most influential chambers in the state and a voice that is respected.
The City of Signal Hill is different from any other town, that’s part of the reason why I love it. In this town, we genuinely care for one another, not just as another networking group, but rather as an extended family.
My successor, 2016 President Melissa Guy, will have all the support that she needs to accomplish her goals, and more, so she should reach for the stars.
The other wonderful nonprofits in our city, such as the Signal Hill Historical Society, the Community Foundation, Rotary, Friends of the Signal Hill, Library, Salvation Army, Ability First and The Signal Hill Police Foundation, to name a few, will also have support coming from new volunteers. Our little city, our little jewel of a city, is going to sparkle like never before!
It is a privilege to continue to serve our city.
Terry Rogers
Past President
Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce
2010-2015
