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The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

ore than two weeks ago, on Jan. 7, two gunmen armed with automatic weapons forced their way into the offices of the French satire news weekly, Charlie Hebdo. The gunmen

methodically killed 10 cartoonists and journalists, and two police officers as they called out the names of their targets. In the two days that followed, five others, not including the gunmen, were either killed. The attackers yelled, “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for Allah is great), twisting the praise into the most dastardly form of evil.

Make no mistake, theirs was not just an attack on Charlie Hebdo. This was an attack on all who would dare investigate, report, and speak out on all that is wrong and all that is right in the world.

In the aftermath of the attacks, cartoonists took to their craft and began posting work in the twitter-verse in tribute to the artists and journalists at Charlie Hebdo.

In these pages of Random Lengths, local artists, cartoonists and writers reflect on the terrorist attack and what it means to stand in solidarity with Charlie Hebdo, whether one agrees with the publication’s politics or whether Charlie Hebdo exists in place where some targets are more acceptable than others in France. Before Jan. 7, before Je suis Charlie became a popular catchphrase, few outside of France knew what Charlie Hebdo was.

As the world began to learn more about the publication, and more began to critique France’s commitment to freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and pluralism, some began to ask whether they really are Charlie Hebdo. Yet, the fact remains: journalists and the progenitors of critical thought and discussion are being targeted not only in France but worldwide.

This past December, Reporters Without Borders released a report about the number of journalists around the world that were killed for practicing their craft. The organization noted that in 2014, 66 journalists were killed, 119 were kidnapped, 178 were imprisoned, 139 were forced to flee their country, and 853 were arrested in the line of duty.

Regardless of where one stands on the depiction of the Prophet Mohammed (or the central figure of any religion for that matter), the world is still an unsafe place for the exercise of free speech. If we are all not Charlie Hebdo, at the very least, we are all dependant on the freedom of speech that journalists pursue around the world.

—Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor

M

I had never so much as heard of Charlie Hebdo when I awoke to news of the murders in Paris. I still knew next to nothing about the publication when I, along with millions of others, proclaimed my solidarity with the publication and its writers, along with the principle of free expression.

That principle of free expression was taken to social media with the hashtags #iamcharlie and #jesuischarlie, the latter that reportedly became one of the most tweeted hashtags in history.

What I did not have a grasp of until later was how di-visive Charlie Hebdo has been over the years, with many charges of racism—particularly Islamophobia—being left at its doorstep.

I now have a sense of why, but I refuse to debate that matter on its merits because, in the context of the killings, it is completely irrelevant. I am Charlie because when free expression is persecuted, I stand up for the expression, re-gardless of its content.

Say what you will about Charlie Hebdo, but no one can accuse it of being cowardly. In 2006, for example, the

magazine was one of the few publications in the world willing to reprint the drawings of Moham-mad. That had incited so much controversy when originally published by Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten a few months earlier.

Nine years later, few major media outlets dare to display even benign images of Mohammad. The tele-vision network Comedy Central, for example, barred South Park from depicting Mohammad in both 2006 and 2010, despite having allowed a depiction of Mohammad in the 2001 South Park episode, “Super Best Friends.” As-sociated Press, the world’s largest news organization, censors all images of Mohammad, along with any “deliberately provocative images” (as an AP rep-resentative told the Daily Beast), regardless of their newsworthiness.

Jyllands-Posten is one of those publications that has toed that line, and it admitted to the real reason: fear. As the editorial staff explains in a recent piece entitled “Violence Works”:

Some editors have tried to rationalize their de-cision [not to republish such cartoons] arguing that all are well aware [what] the drawings look like, and therefore there is no reason to bring them again and again. Well, we also know what [Danish Prime Minister] Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Barack Obama or the falling twin towers in New York look like, but it does not stop us from publishing pictures of them when they are the focus of the news flow. [… T]he reason why no one has reprinted the famous drawings, of course, [is] fear. Everything else is excuses. Fear, however, is a legitimate feeling, not least for the employees of this newspaper. We have lived with the fear of a terrorist attack for nine years, and yes, it explains that we do not reprint cartoons, whether it be our own or Charlie

Why “I Am Charlie,” Whether or Not I’m on the Same Page as Charlie HebdoBy Greggory Moore, Contributing Columnist

Why “I Am Charlie”/ to p. 6

Carson City Treasurer Karen Avilla Retires, Supports Eddie Duque p. 5

Blues Foundation Honors KJAZZ Personality, Gary Wagner p. 13

Selma: Not Your Traditional Civil Rights Movie p. 15

Read “The Caroonists v. The fundamentalists” by Random Lengths cartoonist Matt Wuerker online at www.randomlengthsnews.com

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Committed to independent journalism in the Greater LA/LB Harbor Area for more than 30 years

On Jan. 9, port truckers at Carson-based Shippers Transport Express voted overwhelmingly for unionization.

Represented by Teamsters Local 848 in Long Beach, the development was treated by both sides as amicable and progressive.

Although downplayed in most media accounts, it was directly related to a lawsuit forcing Shippers to recognize drivers as employees. It also was related to the intensely stepped-up organizing of the past year, which saw a series of increasingly high-profile strikes. Even though it’s only the second such company to agree to unionization and the collective bargaining process following Toll Group in 2012, these two underlying factors virtually guarantee that many more companies will follow in the months and years ahead.

“This has been a long struggle and we are grateful that Shippers agreed to remain neutral during our campaign to become Teamsters,” said Mike Acosta, a port trucker employed by Shippers. “As Teamsters—and professional

port truck drivers—we look forward to working with management to move port cargo more efficiently and to modernize the industry.”

Brief strikes this past year began at three companies—Total Transportation Services Inc., Green Fleet Systems and Pac9—but inspired organizing among drivers at other companies as well, including Shippers. On Sept. 30, U.S. District Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell ruled that Shippers truckers were actually employees, not independent owner-operators, in part depending on a similar case ruled on by the Ninth Circuit Court in early July.

In that earlier case, Dilts v. Penske Logistics, the court ruled that California labor law (specifically providing for meal and rest breaks) was not preempted by a federal law. The Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, which had earlier been used to strike down most of the Port of Los Angeles’ Clean Trucks Program, also sought to recognize port truckers as employees. O’Connell’s ruling built on Dilts in denying Shippers’ motion to dismiss the suit.

She then affirmed that “[p]laintiffs have satisfied their burden of establishing an employment relationship with [Shippers Transport Express].”

With the shield of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act removed, the full force of state labor law is now clearly on the port truckers’ side. Shippers, which has interlocking management with SSA Marine, a terminal operator, has wisely chosen to stop fighting the change and embrace it instead. In November, Shippers announced a transition to an all-employee workforce to begin on Jan. 1. They subsequently agreed to stay neutral as the workers organized.

“Shippers’ transition to an employee-based business model is a crucial step in the drayage industry’s efforts to modernize, make the ports more efficient, and reduce congestion at the ports and on our freeways,” said Shippers Transport Express General Manager Kevin Baddeley, betraying no hint of the bitter struggle that’s now been ended. “On unionization, we took a neutral

Longshore Workers Have Answer for Clearing Ship Congestion:

Let Us Do Our JobsBy Robert (“Bobby”) Olvera Jr.President of ILWU Local 13

The Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s busiest container harbor facility and second-ranked Port of Long Beach, handle about 40 percent of America’s imports, with an estimated $1 billion in cargo

moving through the ports every day.

Hundreds of thousands of jobs in the region are connected to the two ports.

Terms and conditions of employment for longshore and marine

Second Port Trucking Firm Agrees to UnionizeBy Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor

Let Us Do Our Jobs/ to p. 4 Truckers Choose Union/ to p. 4

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The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

Community Announcements:

Harbor Area5th District Open House

The neighborhood office for Long Beach’s District 5 is now at Wardlow Park on Stanbridge. Neighbors are invited to visit the office, from 12 to 2 p.m. Jan. 24.Venue: Wardlow Park Neighborhood OfficeLocation: 3457 Stanbridge Ave., Long Beach

CSUDH Auditions for QuixoteThe California State University Dominguez Hills Department of

Theatre and Dance is hosting auditions at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27 for Octavio Solis’ Quixote, an adaptation of Cervantes’ Don Quixote.

The production will be directed by professor of theater arts Bill DeLuca and is being staged in conjunction with the Department of Modern Languages’ 41st Symposium of Hispanic Literature honoring the influence of Don Quixote in the humanities.Venue: University TheatreLocation: 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson San Pedro Democratic Club

The San Pedro Democratic Club will meet, at 7 p.m. Jan. 26, at the Omelette & Waffle Shop in San Pedro.

Senior human relations specialist, Ray Regalado, will give a presentation about the county’s Community Arbitration Program.Venue: Omelette & Waffle ShopLocation: 1103 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro

CSPNC Board, Stakeholder MeetingThe Coastal San Pedro Board and Stakeholder Meeting takes

place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26, at the Cabrillo Marina Community Building in San Pedro.Details: www.cspnc.orgVenue: Cabrillo Marina Community BuildingLocation: 224 Whalers Walk, San Pedro

Proposed Public Access Investment Funding PolicyThe Port of Los Angeles will host a community meeting to discuss

the proposed Public Access Investment Policy, from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 27, at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro.

Staff from the Port will present and review a recent proposal of a strategy to secure and manage future funding for the port’s public access projects. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for the attendees to comment and ask questions. Details: www.portoflosangeles.orgVenue: Warner Grand TheatreLocation: 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

2015 Greater Los Angeles Homeless CountVolunteer with the 2015 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count,

starting at 8 p.m. Jan. 28, in the South Bay and Harbor Area.The purpose of the Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Homeless

Count is to provide a biennial snapshot of the number of homeless persons, their demographic characteristics and the locations of where they reside.

Locally, community volunteers are encouraged to participate in the count of homeless persons, between 5 and 9 a.m. Jan. 29, at the Multi-Service Center in Long Beach.Details: (562) 570.4588; elsa.ramos@longbeach.gov, www.theycountwillyou.orgVenue: Multi-Service CenterLocation: 1301 W. 12th St., Long Beach Health, Wellness Roundtable

The San Pedro business community’s first Health and Wellness Roundtable will take place at 12 p.m. Jan. 29, at the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Boardroom.

The roundtable will bring leaders and businesses in the health and wellness industries together on a quarterly basis to discuss optimal conduct and practices.Details: (310) 832-7272; mvasquez@sanpedrochamber.comVenue: San Pedro Chamber BoardroomLocation: 390 W. 7th Street, San Pedro

Port of Los Angeles to Host Environmental SummitOn Jan. 30, the Port of Los Angeles will host an Environmental

Summit at Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington. The summit will bring together environmental and community leaders, regulatory agencies, labor and cargo industry representatives to discuss ongoing environmental initiatives and priorities that will help ensure balanced and sustainable port growth and operational efficiency in the years ahead.

The Environmental Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is open to the public.Venue: Banning’s Landing Location: 100 E. Water St., Wilmington

Free Dog Training for Active Duty and VeteransDogs and their owners who served or are serving in the military are

eligible for free dog obedience training classes on Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m., Jan. 31 through March 28, in Redondo Beach. Proof of military status will be required at the orientation meeting.Details: (310) 318-1610 ext. 3460; caninecorps@gmail.comVenue: Dog Park Dominguez ParkLocation: 190 Flagler Lane, Redondo Beach

Executive Director Leslie Wille stands in the entrance to new North Hospital at Kaiser Permanente South Bay. After 2 years of construc-tion, the facility is set to open Feb. 10. Photo by David Johnson.

Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center in Harbor City rung in the new year in a major way with the completion of it’s new North Hospital. The new building, set to open in February, is part of a $440 million update that hopes to yield more efficient patient care.

A New Kaiser: South Bay Medical Center Set to Open in FebruaryBy David Johnson, Contributing Reporter

“The entire building is much more patient centered, so it’s a wonderful place to receive care, but it’s also a great place to work,” said Executive Director and registered nurse, Leslie Wille. Wille joined the hospital right before the start of the 2-year overhaul and has overseen the project.

For a hospital whose emergency room saw 61,000 patients this past year, Kaiser hopes the new building will increase efficiency and patient privacy, while decreasing hospital borne infections.

New Kaiser Facil-ity to Open/ to p. 17

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position because we respect our drivers’ right to form a union,” he said. “Finally, through our productive dialogue with the Teamsters, we anticipate we will be able to improve operational efficiencies and stabilize our driver workforce.”

The Teamsters basically agreed. “This historic agreement represents an important step in drivers’ efforts to reform the drayage industry, and demonstrates clearly that labor and management can work together constructively to find solutions to challenges facing the industry and to the injustices facing the drivers,” said Fred Potter, director of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Port Division. “As Teamsters and Shippers drivers will now begin the hard work of negotiating a first contract to assure that they earn a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.”

As explained in a press release, Shippers and the Teamsters agreed on a neutral process including the following:

• Shippers Transport agreed not to interfere in the employees’ decisions

regarding unionization;• Shippers Transport agreed not to use

intimidation, threats of reprisal, promise of benefits, or other conduct or speech designed to intimidate or coerce drivers to influence the decision by its employee drivers whether to join or be represented by the Teamsters;

• The Teamsters agreed not to disparage Shippers Transport or disrupt the workplace through strikes, picketing, or other job actions; and

• Shippers Transport agreed to recognize Teamsters Local 848 as the drivers’ official bargaining agent upon verification by a neutral third party that a majority of the drivers have signed valid union authorization cards.

The verification by local clergy took place on Jan. 9. Confidential negotiations continue with eight other companies that were struck this past year. There is no word yet on those negotiations, but the writing is clearly on the wall for all to see.

clerk labor at the ports are governed by a contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) which is comprised of stevedoring, shipping, and marine terminal companies. The labor contract expired in July 2014. A new contract is under negotiation.

While dockworkers have continued to work in good faith without a contract since July 1, 2014, PMA has launched a very public attack campaign leaving many people (and many in the media) under the false impression that congestion problems at the ports are a direct result of job actions taken by ILWU. In reality, the problems at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are a result of mismanagement by PMA and its member companies that began before the 2008 labor contract expired.

Within the past six years, port congestion has steadily increased as cargo ships have more than doubled in size and capacity. According to World News (WN.com), the size of cargo vessels crossing the Pacific Ocean have increased in size from two football fields to the equivalent of four football fields.

These megaships require up to eight “gangs” or crews, to handle cargo. However, since July 2014 (when the labor agreement with ILWU expired), PMA, in a mind-boggling move, reduced the number of gangs assigned to large cargo vessels to three, constituting a 75 percent reduction of workers. To make matters even worse, on New Year’s Eve 2014, PMA announced an additional reduction in the workforce, assigning only one gang per ship during the night shift. That translates to reducing the number of crews assigned to unloading cargo by a staggering 87 percent. More recently, on Jan.13, 2015, night crews serving vessels were dropped by PMA altogether.

As a direct result of PMA’s actions, more than 7,000 full-time longshore workers face steeply reduced hours of work. In addition, about 8,000 part-time or “casual” longshore workers will have little to no work available to them. Such drastic cuts in the workforce not only impact the families of the workers whose hours have been cut, but add to congestion at the port. This congestion financially impacts thousands of local and national businesses that rely on the ports to unload their merchandise in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, mismanagement by PMA and its member companies extends well beyond reductions in the workforce. The mismanagement extends to safety issues as well. For years, ILWU, Local 13 (the longshore local union operating in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach) has requested that PMA provide workers with training to operate cranes and improve training facilities for crane operators. These requests have fallen on deaf ears.

In June 2014, prior to the expiration of the labor contract, ILWU Local 13 and the ILWU locals representing marine clerks and foremen requested a meeting with PMA officials to discuss a growing number of near-fatal accidents at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach due to inadequate training of crane operators. PMA never granted the meeting. Instead, in November 2014, PMA blamed the congestion at the ports on the union’s insistence on dispatching trained and certified crane operators. In reality, PMA caused the congestion as a result of only providing two instructors for the hundreds of ILWU, Local 13 members waiting to receive their crane operator training and certification.

Operable chassis shortages also played a major role in slowing operations at the ports of Los Angeles and

Truckers Choose Unionfrom p. 2

Let Us Do Our Jobsfrom p. 2

continued on following page

Teamsters Local 848, at Jan. 9 press conference announcing a historic vote for unionization at the Carson-based Shippers Transport Express. File photo.

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The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

Karen Avilla, the incumbent treasurer for the City of Carson, abruptly announced Jan. 5 that she was retiring. She was certified to run in the March 3 election but changed her mind. She said she did so at the urging of her family.

“I believe I have done everything possible to improve the Treasurer’s office and keep the City’s funds safe,” she said in a prepared statement.

She threw her support to Eddie Duque who, according to his Linkedin profile, works as a senior analyst in Finance and Management Services for the City of Santa Ana.

“He is uniquely qualified,” Avilla stated. She added he has more than 16 years of

municipal finance management experience, along with degrees from Berkeley and Harvard.

With Avilla out, the race is now between Duque and three other candidates. The candidates provided the following information about themselves and their campaigns: Eddie Duque

“I am running for City Treasurer of Carson because I believe I can make a difference,” Duque stated in an email. “I am a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager…I have more than 20 years of honorable and verified professional public service.”

Duque has lived in Carson for seven years.“I am honored to receive her confidence

and that she considers me the only qualified

candidate,” commented Duque, about Avilla’s endorsement. “I want to continue the good work she has done to bring stability to Carson.”

His campaign may be contacted at eddie@voteduque2015.com for details.Joe Merton

“I want to develop the transparency of the office to the public, to protect financial stability,” Merton said.

He asserted that being a businessman for 20 years provides him with the experience to serve as treasurer.

“I want proper financial management for the city, to look at the city’s portfolio,” he added. “I want to see the best return on investments.”

He’s run for treasurer twice before. He’s lived in Carson for almost 30 years.

Contact joemerton9@gmail.com for details. Monica Cooper

“I’m qualified with experience in the public and private sector,” Cooper said. She recently ran for the West Basin Municipal Water District, but didn’t win.

Cooper worked for 22 years with the Franchise Tax Board and has managed a real estate business. “I’d like to bring the treasurer’s office forward, make it more visible,” she said when asked about her goals if elected.

She also said she’d like to explore diversifying the city’s portfolio, possibly requesting that investment banks “do something for the community.”

Cooper has lived in Carson since 2009. For details about Cooper and her campaign call (562) 440-8877.Emilio Ramos Loyola

When asked about his qualifications, Loyola points to his years of public service with Carson’s Parks and Recreation Department. He recently resigned from the job he had for 15 years at the Veterans Sports Complex, so he may focus on his campaign. He’s lived in the neighborhood near Veterans Park since 1980. He’s retired from the Navy, where he served as a disbursing clerk.

If elected, he says his priorities will be first, security, second, reformation and modernization of the office’s operations, and lastly, to apply a strict code of ethics. To volunteer on Loyola’s campaign or for details call (310) 328-1261.

Long Beach. Cargo containers do not have wheels and must be mounted on a chassis in order to get to warehouses and distribution centers. Beginning several years ago, many PMA member companies made an ill-considered operational decision to sell off many of their chassis to equipment leasing companies. As a result, marine terminals often lack the necessary chassis to move cargo off the docks. Further, certain PMA member companies have inexplicably refused to let union members repair piles of inoperable chassis that the companies still control, further reducing the number of operable chassis available to clear the congested ports.

While PMA has engaged in a public relations campaign blaming ILWU for the problems at the ports, the congestion of cargo ships and containers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are directly related to mismanagement by marine terminal operators and the shipping lines they service. PMA and its member companies are using a “cut and criticize” strategy. They continue to cut crews, cut training and cut repair work and then turn around and criticize ILWU when operations are negatively impacted by those cuts.

ILWU Local 13 has repeatedly told PMA and port officials that, contract or no contract, we stand ready to ramp up training, fix inoperable equipment and fully staff crews to handle cargo. We are calling on PMA to join us in our commitment to clear the congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Robert (Bobby) Olvera, Jr. is a third-generation longshorman and president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13. He represents more than 20,000 part-time and full-time longshore workers, who discharge cargo at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Local 13 is the largest local on the West Coast and works the largest and busiest port in North America.

Avilla Out: Endorses DuqueBy Lyn Jensen, Carson Reporter

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t 10:30 on Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, I was slogging through my routine at the gym on a small side street off the Place de

la Bastille in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. About a block from there, across a broad and

curving tree-lined strip that covers a navigable canal leading out of Paris to the north—the Boulevard Richard Lenoir—is a patchwork enclave of industrial spaces and bland apartment buildings from the 19th century mixing with even blander social housing from the 1970s and ‘80s. On a short street within that enclave—rue Nicolas Appert—are the offices of Charlie Hebdo.

Charlie Hebdo (which translates to “Charlie Weekly”) occupies a unique place in French consciousness. It’s a mix between National Lampoon, Mad Magazine, The Onion and Fritz the Cat. Add to that a healthy portion of Voltaire’s anti-clericalism and what might be called “radical cheekiness,” and one begins to get some sense of the magazine. Its main contributors that were gunned down Wednesday, the cartoonists Cabu, Wolinksi, Honoré and Tinous, all took up their pens during the events of May 1968, the apogee of student and civil unrest that rocked France. They choose satire as their weapon of choice at a time when French society was in the midst of massive upheavals.

The status quo and the errors associated with it, notably the atrocities committed by the

French forces during the Algerian War, inspired numerous forms of rebellion, but theirs was with the pen; it was about societal change through derision and satire—and constantly testing the limits of tolerance of institutions that espoused liberty but just as often sought to squelch it. In another time and context, they might have been heroes to the very individuals who gunned them down. But while its humor can be scathing, Charlie Hebdo is not mean-spirited. It does not spread hate. It is a slayer of sacred cows. Its tone is cynico-humanism. But the role of national gadfly is not without risk.

It has been criticized by the Christian right and by Muslim and Jewish associations. The previous offices were firebombed in 2011. Stéphane Charbonnier, the magazine’s unrelenting editorial director, among the victims Wednesday, was on al-Qaeda’s hit list and had constant police protection. The officer protecting him, a muslim, was summarily executed in the rue Nicolas Appert.

On Wednesday morning, as I was leaving the gym, two brothers were making their way to the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a block away. Within an hour the self-described jihadists had forced their way into the offices and, calling out Charbonnier by name, executed him. Within minutes, 12 people were dead, most of them

Hebdo’s. […] We are also aware that we therefore bow to violence and intimidation […].

If for no other reason than its mass and scope, the World Wide Web is far more ro-bust in these fights than the print world ever was, and so the controversial Charlie Hebdo images are not hard to find. The Huffington Post, for example, republished a few of the newspaper covers that constituted part of the offense for which the murderers felt Moham-mad must be avenged.

I shared the Huffington Post article on Fa-cebook, a move that was greeted by my an-thropologist friend, who I hold in the highest regard, making clear her displeasure.

“I actually think it is a shame that they re-published these. (And I was disappointed to see your own version earlier),” she said.

She was referring to a bearded, stick-figure drawing—labeled “The Prophet Mo-hammad,” which I have saying, “Je suis Charlie!”—included with my #iamcharlie Tweet.

“Of course I believe in free speech, and that Charlie Hebdo had the right to publish this in the first place, and certainly the vio-lence this week in Paris has been horrific, but I don’t think we should be celebrating this racist, Islamophobic and frankly offensive (potentially hate) speech,” she continued.

The point she misses is that these acts are not celebrations of Charlie Hebdo, any more than finding Charlie Hebdo offensive is to approve of the murders. Sharing the content the murderers claimed as their justification is a means to highlight just how completely without justification the murders are. Many in the world who have heard of the Paris attacks will not have seen the images in question. To share them is to reify the idea that 12 people were murdered over frigging cartoons and nothing more.

On the other hand, to discourage or pro-hibit the sharing of the images—especially while talking about how terrible they are—leaves the conceptualization of the crime in a morally more nebulous state than the murders that were perpetrated. It suggests that the vic-tims themselves did something so repugnant that we ought not to look at the images, even when reading news articles about the killings of which the drawings are undeniably a semi-nal part.

Had I been old enough to be cognizant of the pertinent issues in play when in 1977 the

National Socialist Party of America maneuvered to march in Skokie, Ill.—a predominantly Jewish community where one of every six residents was a Holocaust survivor—I would have vehemently supported their right to march there or anywhere. The march never materialized, but let us imagine that it did, and that offended Jews gunned down a dozen Nazi marchers as they passed through Skokie’s main square. In such a case I would have felt compelled to stand in solidarity with the Nazis against the barbaric act of murdering those who offend us with their words, ideas or mere presence.

This would not have meant I was standing in solidarity with Nazism. Even were I not Jewish on my mother’s side, even if one-quarter of my bloodlines did not run through Poland, even if I did not have relatives who perished in the Nazi death camps, I would hate the Nazis and all they stand for.

But when it comes to Nazism, I do have skin in the game, and yet I would unequivocally stand with the Nazis against any and all who would physically attack them over the expression of their horrendous ideas. This would not be my standing up for the Nazis’ freedom of expression so much as my own, because when it comes to freedom, there is—or should be—no dividing line based on taste or content, save perhaps for the “clear-and-present danger” limits on free speech, such as incitement to riot [see Brandenburg vs. Ohio (1969)] or the classic example of falsely shouting “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater [see Schenck vs. United States (1919)].

It is never mainstream expression or opinion that needs protection: it is the minority opinion, the unpopular belief, the expression generally deemed odious. Our First Amendment is only as good as its breadth and our lip service in favor of freedom of expression is worth only what we’re actually willing to do to support it.

Surely, there is a time to debate the merits Charlie Hebdo’s content—or even to protest and boycott the publication should one feel the world would be better off without it. But that time is not in the immediate wake of its staff members being murdered over that content. No matter how wrong the ideas expressed in Charlie Hebdo may be, that wrong is so far exceeded by the wrong of murdering people for expressing themselves. The only appropriate response is to stand against the attackers and all they represent.

This isn’t about a magazine or its cartoons. No matter what Charlie Hebdo has published, #iamcharlie #jesuischarlie.

*Note: For the purposes of this article, the original Danish text of the Jyllands-Posten editorial was ren-dered into English by GoogleTranslate.

THe IMPorTANCe of BeINg CHArlIeBy William C. Below Jr., Guest Columnist based in Paris, France

from p.1

WHy “I AM CHArlIe”

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The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

shot in the head. I learned about the massacre from the Los Angeles Times. I was crossing the Seine by bus, picking up my daughter on the Left Bank when I received the push notification. The shock was compounded by the news of who the victims were. These were cartoonists who the French public knew well. Each contributed to the press through outlets other than Charlie Hebdo. Each had a reputation beyond the magazine. It’s as though the most recognizable names in U.S. political cartooning were summarily executed. Cartoonists? Really? The effect was ghastly and hugely disturbing, a reaction that would be shared by the country and the world.

Everyone in our circle took to Facebook. Ahmed, who works in the building next to the Charlie Hebdo offices, was on the phone with a client when he thought he heard firecrackers—the mind doesn’t immediately turn to thoughts of Kalashnikovs, or doesn’t want to. Later, as he evacuated the building he saw the bodies, an image he can’t get out of his mind. We went to meet with him. The area was cordoned off. Flowers had begun to accumulate at the foot of the barricades. The global press corps had gathered with its equipment and transformed an otherwise quiet street that I go down twice a week. A familiar and unremarkable neighborhood corner had been transformed into a scene of death and horror the world was now gazing on. We hugged, and Ahmed bravely went back to work.

News the next morning that a policewoman had been shot just south of Paris introduced a small voice of dread that gradually grew louder. Paris had a string of terrorist attacks in the summer and fall of 1995 and all of us wondered if Wednesday’s massacre was the start of another

awful series. Over the next two days, as the manhunt for the two terrorists played out, sirens and emergency vehicles were constantly present throughout the city. This came to a head Friday morning. While walking to an appointment, my wife, Amy, and I encountered a huge convoy of police vehicles speeding eastward on the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, sirens blaring. As police surrounded the brothers in Dammartin outside of Paris, a hostage situation had broken out less than two miles from us on the eastern edge of the city. That afternoon, the world watched in real time as four more victims died, this time singled out for being Jewish.

Three nights of spontaneous gatherings followed the carnage at the Place de la République, a 10-minute walk from the offices of Charlie Hebdo and throughout France. President François Gérard Georges Nicolas Hollande announced a Unity Marche set for Sunday to pass directly under our windows. Before the end of Friday, some 60 world leaders had chosen to attend in solidarity.

Saturday night was a sleepless one, punctured by the sounds of barricades going up and sirens. And then, there was the doubt: How could 60 heads of state, let alone the rest of us, march safely through the streets of a city on high alert? By 9 a.m. Sunday, the street beneath our flat was blocked by dozens of riot vehicles. The synagogue down the street was cordoned off with military personnel standing guard with automatic rifles. This is the new status quo for synagogues and Jewish establishments throughout the city. By 4 p.m., a huge crowd had gathered in the square downstairs, the midpoint in the symbolic route from Place de la République to Place de la

Nation. Soon, the leaders of 60 countries would appear before our building, accompanied by the families of the victims of the massacres. We joined the crowds marching towards Place de la Nation, a crowd subdued, dignified and resolute. It was the largest gathering since the liberation of Paris.

The takeaway: when you mess with cartoonists, you mess with the very foundations of a free society.

The protest brought some comfort and sense to an otherwise tragic and extremely disturbing week, where the ugliest violence hailed down on a neighborhood then set a city, a country and the world into movement. As the throngs poured into the Place de la Nation just blocks from the supermarket, where four Jewish people were gunned down 48 hours prior, there were no speeches, no one to bring the week to a proper end... if such a thing were possible. It wasn’t a destination; it was a process: a demonstration, not a conclusion. In the end, the million and more people disbanded and went home, each to deal with horrors of the week privately.

Paradoxically, one advantage of a reasonably functional democracy is the luxury of apathy. We expect the great ship of state to continue its course as we go about our busy lives. But, as France and the world learned, it is a fragile luxury, even a dangerous one. Charlie Hebdo was a weekly test case of one of the founding principles of the French Republic and, indeed, of all modern democracies. With the massacre of its staff and the murder of three policemen and four individuals because they were Jewish, the luxury of apathy has been suspended. For how long? Only time will tell.

DoN’T SToP CrITICISM AND lAugHTerBy Andy Singer, Cartoonist

he Charlie Hebdo shooting is another example of lunatics with guns and bombs who think that killing or

maiming people will solve the world’s problems. The perpetrators in this case are Islamic fundamentalists in Europe, but we see this same kind of violence all over the world from both state and non-state actors. In the USA, we’ve had people like Timothy McVeigh and the Tsarnaev brothers or, arguably, George W. Bush, when he launched the war in Iraq.

The Charlie Hebdo shooting is also an example of attempts by both governments and insurgents to silence journalism and cartoonists. In Pakistan, India, Russia, Mexico, Egypt and many other countries, being a journalist or a cartoonist is a dangerous job. Each year, the Cartoonist

Rights Network gives out courage awards highlighting some of the harassment and violence faced by cartoonists around the world. There’s Akram Rasian, a Syrian cartoonist who hasn’t been heard of since he was arrested in 2012 by the Assad regime or his colleague Ali Ferzat who was severely beaten and had both his hands broken for drawing cartoons critical of Assad. There’s Mexican cartoonist Mario Robles Patiño, who was beaten up for drawing cartoons critical of the governor of Oaxaca. There are also cartoonists from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran and India who’ve faced arrest, intimidation and violence.

People don’t want to be criticized and laughed at, but accepting criticism and laughter are important for our growth as individuals and our growth and development as a society. It’s important that we don’t let violent bullies stop the presses or stop the laughter.

Link to Cartoonist Rights Network International’s Courage in Cartooning Awards: http://cartoonistsrights.org/category/courage-award/courage-in-cartooning-award-winners

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“A newspaper is not just for reporting the news as it is, but to make people mad enough to do some-

thing about it.”

Columnists/ReportersLyn Jensen CarsonB. Noel Barr Music DudeJohn Farrell Curtain CallLori Lynn Hirsch-Stokoe Food WriterAndrea Serna Arts WriterMelina Paris Culture WriterCalendar

Publisher/Executive EditorJames Preston Allenjames@randomlengthsnews.com

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Managing EditorTerelle Jerrickseditor@randomlengthsnews.comAssistant EditorZamná Ávilazamna@randomlengthsnews.com

14days@randomlengthsnews.comPhotographersTerelle Jerricks, Betty Guevara

Contributors Joseph Baroud, Rachel Bruhnke, William C. Below, Jr., Tanya Cole, David Johnson, Greggory Moore, Andy Singer

Advertising ProductionMathew Highland, Suzanne MatsumiyaAdvertising RepresentativesMathew Highlandreads@randomlengthsnews.comDavid Johnson, Richard Olivarezrlnsales@randomlengthsnews.comEditorial Interns Cassandra Magdaleno, Crystal Nre-bla, Ivan AdameDisplay advertising (310) 519-1442Classifieds (310) 519-1016www.randomlengthsnews.com

—Mark TwainVol. XXXVI : No. 2

Published every two weeks for the Harbor Area communi-ties of San Pedro, RPV, Lomita, Harbor City, Wilmington, Carson and Long Beach. Distributed at over 350 loca-tions throughout the seven cities of the Harbor Area.

CartoonistsAnn Cleaves, Andy Singer, Matt Wuerker

Random Lengths News editorial office is located at 1300 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731, (310) 519-1016. Address correspondence regarding news items and news tips only to Random Lengths News, P.O. Box 731, San Pedro, CA 90733-0731, or email to editor @randomlengthsnews.com.Send Letters to the Editor or requests for subscription information to james @randomlengthsnews.com. To be considered for publication, all Letters to the Editor should be typewritten, must be signed, with address and phone number included (these will not be published, but for verification only) and be kept to about 250 words. To submit advertising copy email adv@randomelengthsnews.com or reads@randomlengthsnews.com.Extra copies and back issues are available by mail for $3 per copy while supplies last. Subscriptions are available for $36 per year for 27 issues.Random Lengths News presents issues from an alternative perspective. We wel-come articles and opinions from all people in the Harbor Area. While we may not agree with the opinions of contributing writers, we respect and support their 1st Amendment right to express those opinions. Random Lengths News is a member of Standard Rates and Data Reporting Services and the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. (ISN #0891-6627). All contents Copyright 2015 Random Lengths News. All rights reserved.

continued on following page

Editor’s Note: Rachel Bruhnke and Tanya Cole are board members and regional director of Witness for Peace/Southwest. Witness for Peace is a 25,000-member U.S. organization that seeks to change U.S. policy in Latin America through education and activism.

Congratulations, Mr. President, for your actions on Cuba. Now it’s time to do more on Latin America.

Beginning the U.S. thaw toward Cuba and freeing the remaining three of the Cuban five was a courageous and historic act. As a result, the hope for peace seems to have broken out in a major way for millions of people all over the United States and for our neighbors to the south. Throughout Latin America, the people are poised, waiting. They are waiting for even more justicia from you. There is more to be done to right the historic and profound wrongs of United States policy toward Latin America. Here are some of the things you could do:

1.) Don’t just close the prison at Guantanamo Base—end the 100-plus-year occupation of Guantanamo Bay itself by the U.S. military. It is Cuba’s second largest bay and has not been available for their use for peaceful development for more than a century. It is a mind boggling and bizarre case. We believe our fine Rep. Janice Hahn, would think so, too. Let’s send a Port of Los Angeles trade delegation to Havana, with

an agenda item for the visit also being Cuba’s Guantanamo Harbor.

2.) Reverse your decision and do not implement the misguided congressional sanctions against Venezuela. Apologize for the U.S.-backed coup in Venezuela in 2002. Express genuine condolence for the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and for the enormous anguish felt by the Venezuelan poor who so benefited from his Bolivarian policies. Ask the first lady to visit Venezuela. She will learn first hand of how Bolivarian policies have empowered and improved the lives of millions of Venezuelan poor women through a simple prioritization of their needs and by using the funds from the oil that lies beneath their nation’s soil. (Speaking of soil, the first lady’s campaign to promote food security and nutrition through urban gardens would get a boost by seeing these models emerging throughout Venezuela, and of course, Cuba.)

3.) Apologize for not denouncing the coup in Honduras in 2009. The coup deposed a democratically-elected president who sought “change” that the Honduran majority were starting to believe in. The Honduran population has never accepted the coup, although you did, and the U.S.-trained Honduran military and police have condoned or been responsible for the killing of more than 300 political activists,

Our New Year’s Wish List for Latin AmericaBy Rachel Bruhnke and Tanya Cole, Guest Columnists

Someone much wiser than I once said, “Every time you solve one problem you create two.” I didn’t believe him then, but I have come to appreciate that perspective the more I’ve watched government and big businesses solve problems.

The issue of what one doesn’t know is what one just doesn’t know is scaled up in size depending on the size of the organization and its distance from those affected by the policy that’s enacted. The U.S. Congress or AT&T immediately comes to mind, but this problem of not knowing is rampant in most, if not all, bureaucratic structures. What are the consequences?

A perfect example of this phenomenon has to do with the Port of Los Angeles’ array of freeway widening and street improvement projects centered around the connection between the Harbor and Terminal Island 47 Freeway, near the Vincent Thomas Bridge. This $53 million-plus project is meant to help alleviate container truck traffic congestion coming from the port. As we have noticed lately, there is not only a need, but also an overarching economic imperative to alleviate congestion at the twin port complex.

Simultaneously, with the launch of this much-needed infrastructure investment, a scattered group of homeless people appeared, camping out

solution of the first problem (remember, you always get two for the price of one), came to light at the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meeting when the Port Police passed out a flyer asking residents to call in to report graffiti that’s been magically appearing on the sound walls

under construction along the side of the project. So here we have one of the finest examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Question for the community: Does the port have any obligation to mitigate the homeless problem that it created by the freeway construction and what it will do to control the graffiti on the concrete side of the road it has constructed?

The port is not alone in discovering our native population

of homeless peoples either. Remember some months ago when the Department of Recreation and Parks announced plans to renovated the former home of Reggie the Alligator, Machado Lake at Harbor Regional Park? Well, Ken Malloy, for whom the park is now named, would be rolling over in his grave to learn that some 160 homeless folks were discovered living in the tule marshes.

In the past, the Los Angeles Harbor Area communities have objected to the unintended consequences of industrial port expansion when it came to the air and water quality impacts on public health. These communities may now begin raising questions about other quality of life issues exacerbated by the industrial expansion of the port or action taken by some other city department.

These seemingly externalized consequences come with real costs to the community. And, I am wondering if Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles City Council might have something to learn from this as they move forward with the $1 billion plan to remake the Los Angeles River.

Since the most recent homeless count, there has to be at least a couple thousand people camped along side our neglected namesake river. And, when the length of the river is gentrified, just where are they planning to have these people move next?

If the past is precedent for the future, they will probably end up camped out in your local neighborhood park, unless the great minds of the city figure out what they don’t know before they start doing it.

in the surrounding neighborhoods and public parks. Many San Pedrans were shocked by this apparent increase in the homeless population and started making phone calls to Councilman Joe Buscaino’s office. Suddenly, locals discovered that there was a homeless problem.

Unbeknownst to the port, the council office and the residents was that most, if not all, formerly resided in the overgrown areas of the Harbor Freeway interchange—mostly out of sight and definitely out of mind of the general population commuting to work.

Once the construction started, the encampments in these hidden spaces had to be moved and the port made no accommodation for the “unintended consequences” of progress. Nor did they consider it their problem since the port is not responsible for policing city parks outside of its territory.

The second problem, created by the

The Law of Unintended ConsequencesWhen the Port’s Impacts of Operations Become Community ProblemsJames Preston Allen, Publisher

9

The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

RANDOMLettersCommunity AlertsILWU Community March

On Jan. 22, more than 5,000 people are expected to rally in solidarity with the ILWU from 5 to 8 p.m., following the Pacific Maritime Association’s unilateral action of locking out longshore workers during the night shift.

District 15 City Councilman Joe Buscaino in a released statement on Facebook that this was the wrong time to for taking actions that would hurt the hard working residents he represents.

“It will only serve to worsen the slowdown and congestion at the ports, disrupt the global supply chain and result in irreparable damage to the reputation of our port’s complex at a time when competition is peaking,” Buscaino said.

The rally starts at the Catalina Island Terminal and will continue south along Harbor Boulevard. Parking is located under the Vincent Thomas Bridge at the Catalina Express terminal. ILWU members finishing their day shifts will have enough time to join the march.

Two Community Meetings on Proposed Public Access Investment Funding Policy

The Port of Los Angeles has scheduled two community meetings (Jan. 22 meeting in Wilmington; Jan. 27 meeting in San Pedro) to receive input and answer questions related to the proposed Public Access Investment Funding Policy that was presented publicly on Dec. 11 and 18, 2014. In advance of the meetings, questions and answers including background information about past spending is available on the port’s website, www.portoflosangeles.org.

The proposed Public Access Investment Funding Policy is designed to create a predictable and sustainable approach for long term investment in public access projects in the Port of Los Angeles.

The first community meeting is still scheduled for Jan. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at Banning’s Landing, 100 East Water St., Wilmington.

The second community meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro.

Portions of Figueroa Street Closed Overnight

Overnight closures to Figueroa Street (from C Street to the John S. Gibson/Figueroa/Harry Bridges intersection) will occur Jan. 26, through Jan. 30, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., as part of a major Port of Los Angeles interchange and roadway construction project in Wilmington. C Street on/off-ramps on Interstate-110/Harbor Freeway (I-110) will remain open.

Description of Violation

The ACLU of Southern California and religious leaders have filed legal suit against L.A. County (Supervisors Antonovich and Knabe) because the Board of Supervisors voted to add a cross to the L.A. County Seal!

May I add, historically, that the Cross was not a Christian symbol originally, but was a means of execution of criminals and anarchists against the government of the Roman Empire, which unfortunately included Judea, from whence the “Jesus Story” fraud originated. One of the 3 known reason Rome fell was a people’s revolution against the Roman government by said zealots contending the “Kingdom of God” (sic). I think

Jefferson knew this when the U. S. Constitution prohibited religion in government: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”

Perhaps your organization might join the ACLU in this matter.

G. Dan SalvoLos Angeles

Dear Mr. Salvo, While I do support the division between church and state, and recognize the amount of trouble caused by religious persecutions historically and currently, the question of the “cross” on the county seal has more of a historic reference than a religious significance. I would normally side with the ACLU on matters like this but I believe that Los Angeles

County has much bigger problems of civil rights before it, such as the misconduct of their sheriff’s and child services departments.

Thanks for writing.James Preston Allen, Publisher

Ask the Mayor” Recordings of on Air QuestionABC news Sunday, Jan. 11, regarding Rancho LPG

This is the less than stellar and evasive answer provided by Mayor Garcetti to the question posed about the Rancho LPG tanks on yesterday’s ABC News program.

Needless to say, the question should have also included a reference to the facility’s great potential for the mounting concern of terrorism. A single rocket launched grenade or high power rifle could easily penetrate a tank ensuring a massive explosion.

In rebuttal to the Mayor’s weak and whiny answer:

A) There is “plenty” that the City of L.A. can do in resolving this extremely hazardous situation.

B) His assertion that it would take hundreds of millions of dollars to relocate Rancho is unbelievably inflated. The company is currently “insolvent”...

owing the parent company, Plains All America Pipeline, in excess of $50 million. The price for the property and business paid in 2008 is approximately $40 million. A small drop in the bucket compared to the potential for extraordinary damages and decimation of the ports in the event of a catastrophic event. Besides, there are many other available avenues in which the City has to take some much needed control outside of purchase.

C) The Mayor confirms the extreme danger…states that the assistance of the State and Feds is needed…yet, has not put any

teachers, lawyers, journalists, campesino and indigenous leaders.

4.) Admit that militarization of the drug war and Drug Enforcement Agency intervention in Latin America does not work, and that President Evo Morales of Bolivia was correct, and even prescient, to throw the DEA out of his country.

5.) Apologize for the adoption of Plan Colombia. Fourteen years and $7 billion U.S. tax dollars later, Colombia has one of the worst human rights records in the hemisphere and an internal refugee crisis second only to Syria. Let’s spend our money on curing the United States so folks don’t feel the need to drug themselves into oblivion in the first place.

6.) Just simply apologize to Central America for the 1980s. Admit that the Ronald Reagan Administration was immoral to fund and orchestrate wars against the poor majorities in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, whose only crime was to begin to demand a better life, a life beyond living in a caja de carton, a cardboard box.

7.) Make amends for the Central Intelligence Agency’s Operation Condor that wreaked havoc in South America in the 1970s. Publicly denounce Henry Kissenger for the Chilean coup and the Argentinian Dirty War that tortured and disappeared tens of thousands. Thank President Mujica of Uruguay as a survivor of torture from those times, for being one of the only countries in the

world to offer sanctuary to former prisoners from the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

8.) Please, begin to clean up the cesspool that is Miami Cuban exile politics. As you may now understand after having reviewed the case of the Cuban Five (did we say mil gracias for freeing them by the way?), there really are groups active today in the United States that speak and sometimes plan violence from our nation’s shores to Cuba.

9.) Stop trying to militarize peaceful Costa Rica, which hasn’t had an army since 1948. They’re too busy spending their nation’s treasure on the education and health of their people and on reforesting their country.

10.) If you want to be respected in Latin America, call up President Jimmy Carter. Thank him for his moral leadership on Latin America and his tireless defense of the poor. Ask him how he became so beloved, so genuinely appreciated, throughout the region. Then, follow his most human and noble model. Observe Venezuelan elections with him. Learn why he calls them “the best in the world.”

Begin, like Carter did, to expose regimes in the region that abuse human beings with torture, disappearance and terror. Begin with Mexico. Fund development, not violence.

We believe that truth is not weakness, but strength. The web of deception that we have woven in this hemisphere has enslaved us to continual lying. It is like a noose on our nation’s soul. So, Mr. President, do the right thing. Make amends to Latin America. Change our policy, now.

Latin Americafrom previous page

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On Jan. 9, union authorization cards were validated and reviewed by Father Wil Connor, center, pastor emeritus of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Long Beach. Local and state elected officials, as well as members of the U.S. Congress, were in attendance to monitor the process and participate in the announce-ment of the election results. Upon validation, Shippers and the company’s drivers—newly represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 848—began negotiating a collective bargaining agreement for wages, benefits and working conditions.

This historic agreement came as a result of months of dialogue between Shippers Transport Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSA Marine, and the Teamsters to modernize drayage operations that the parties predict will improve efficiency and stabilize the workforce, while respecting drivers’ rights to decide whether to form a union. By resolving major port driver issues, this agreement better equips Shippers Trans-port to address congestion, which has plagued the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach over the past year. Photo by Betty Guevara.

Agreement Reached with Teamsters on Neutral Unionization Process

January 22 – February 4, 2015ACE: Arts •

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By Andrea Serna, Arts and Culture Writer

Continued on page 16.

In order for art to be worthwhile, it must have something to say. And, when you have something to say, you risk infuriating extremists or even the occasional thin-skinned observer.

As the world reflects on the attack on the Charlie Hebdo headquarters, Harbor Area artists responded to the mass shootings in France. Here’s what they had to say:

Ann CleAves,Random Lengths news CaRtoonist

W h a t h a p p e n e d at Charlie Hebdo was horrendous. The shooters were fanatic murderers. However, it bothers me that we Americans are so quick to say that we, of course, are for free speech and freedom of expression.

Words and images can be very powerful. Words can also be taunts, slurs, degrading stereotypes and they can be powerfully intimidating. We should stand up against and resist malicious words. In the U.S. there are laws against hate speech.

The history of newspaper cartooning is full of images that were stereotypes that viciously condemned various groups of people. Look at California cartoons of the Japanese during WWII and before. Asians, blacks, Mexicans have all been stereotyped in an often degrading manner. Jews and Catholics have also been singled out, as have women. Today’s news editors and many newspaper readers would definitely question these often degrading stereotypical images.

MAt GleAson, CuRatoR of CoaguLa gaLLeRy in Los angeLes

I’m reading many reactions to this tragedy. Most of them are not talking about it. They are using the tragedy as a pivot to talk about other things. Nobody wants to acknowledge that we will be murdered for expressing

ourselves. We will. We are. There will be more deaths and next time you pivot away from seeing this, you lurch toward culpability.

Artist who Goes by the nAMe el iMAGenero,PhotogRaPheR, CReatoR of “what we CensoR, what we don’t”

Artists, at least those who have something to say, face all sorts of attempts to silence them. Often, those start in the artist’s own head, which … (began) by something in the artist’s rearing or schooling.

In my experience, many artists, as well as philosophers, scientists and others, risk emotional or physical

injury when, like Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus, they find themselves “kicking against the pricks” of convention and the standards of others in service of their own sensibilities and moral imperatives.

These restrictions on art and other expression are not relics of history or limited to Muslim extremists, although the summary execution of persons based on their expression seems to be limited to religious extremists.

At bottom, everyone says they support artistic freedom and free speech. But most of us have an unspoken limit to what range of freedoms we will extend to others. So, it’s nothing new. It’s nothing artists throughout history haven’t faced. But, like any other crime, it’s still wrong, whether done by self-styled terrorists or government and church authorized bureaucrats.

ellwood t. risk, san PedRo aRtist

There’s a quote by Plato that reads, “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”

It’s a sad thing indeed that as we move through the first quarter of the 21st century, men still find it necessary to kill those who don’t share their view of the world.

Though a terrible day for France and artists everywhere, the horror of the massacre at Charlie Hebdo is but the latest mark on the wall of sorrow that is human history.

ron linden, aRtist, CuRatoR at tRansVagRant/waRsChaw gaLLeRy in san PedRo

Of course, I’m extremely saddened by the Charlie Hebdo killings and realize the complexity of response. Sunday, the streets of Paris were lined with as many despots as patriots — leaders of repressive governments currently incarcerating journalists and engaging in censorship locked arm-in-arm with upright citizens.

Thinking of Julian Assange, Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning. I find it ironic that many of those most vocal and visible in support of “freedom of expression” are themselves comfortable living under such censorship and repression.

MiChAel steArns, aRtist, CuRatoR at gaLLeRy 347 in san PedRo

As a person who has not been radicalized, I find it abhorrent that someone could kill another person over a cartoon, even a cartoon that was in very bad taste, totally insensitive, racist perhaps, and overtly offensive to almost everyone. I would defend the creators right to make such a cartoon or any other form of creative endeavor. I also understand that censorship

exists and that it can be a very fine line, provoking discussions that will never end.

What I do know is that we are all targets. All societies have members among them who have been radicalized and feel that extreme measures are needed. From artists who feel they have a message to pass on, a wrong to be righted, an opinion to be shared, to doctors performing an abortion, students protesting in Mexico, to kids going to school in Connecticut, people going to work in Oklahoma City, and John Lennon going for a walk in Central Park, we are all targets. But in order to live

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No MoreSugar!

Christine Rodriguez, Guest Columnist

My title “NO MORE SUGAR,” means exactly that.

I am going to cut sugar out of my diet for 6 months and 24 days. On July 24, I will be 43 and my goal is to have the leanest amount of body fat that I’ve ever had.

Look in your refrigerator and cupboards and notice how many of the items have sugar or high fructose corn syrup added to them. Does it account for 50 percent, 75 percent or 99 percent of your groceries?

Alarming, right? Unfortunately for me, I really never knew the harm sugar causes to your body until I studied nutrition, following my professional boxing career. While I was training, I thought fat was my enemy, but now I know the truth: Sugar is all bad.

Even during my hardest training in my 20s I still had a high percentage of body fat. At 137 pounds, I had 25 percent body fat. For an athlete, that is not reflective of hard training and dieting. But ask anyone out of the Broadway Gym and they would say I was the hardest worker there, with the strictest diet.

So naturally, I had developed a complex about my weight in my 20s, which is nothing new to a boxer. It followed me through until my late 30s. I did the stackers, caffeine pills and pills the doctors prescribed me for weight loss.

I would lose water weight, some muscle weight, but very little fat weight. All those artificial chemical stimulants confused my metabolism and caused hypothyroidism in my body, which is a disease that affects much more than just your metabolism. I am still learning as my body is adjusting to the meds.

I hated taking pills, so I didn’t for a couple of years while I tried homeopathic remedies. But they didn’t help my condition, which was worsening.

As I thought about my decision, I realized I have been addicted to sugar as far back as I can remember and that is probably the culprit behind my fluffy disposition growing up.

As a child, my favorite reward was candy and we had dessert every evening. If I was bored, I would bake a cake. If I wanted a snack, I ate some cookies or crackers (just a few of course). If I needed a pick me up, I drank a cola, and when I was thirsty I drank 100 percent fruit juice (Healthy? Not!) And, the least likely suspect of all was the “low fat” diet.

All the packaged and processed foods that claimed “low fat” actually used sugar to compensate for the lack of fat, so I still had loads of sugar. No wonder I was always hungry and moody. I cut the fat but added more sugar.

So in my lifelong struggle with fat weight, I decided to become a vegetarian two years ago. I lost more than 10 pounds. Great! Right? Not so. My body fat was even higher and my cholesterol was high as well.

My theory is that I tried to fill myself up with extra carbohydrates (such as pastas, breads, white rice, any juices, including juicing with fruits, and except lemon and limes, and most sauces and condiments) at the expense of protein. The end result was that two years later, I felt fluffier than ever.

Now, looking at my family genetic makeup, it could just be genetics. But then again, most of my family eats large amounts of sugar — whether through liquor or carbs. Nonetheless, it was sugar!

Since my health is my riches and my image makes me confident, I have decided to challenge myself to be “sugar free” for six months and 24 days. I will be sharing my progress with regular updates as well as descriptions of my daily food intake, my detox ailments and of course all the physical, mental and spiritual issues that come along with detoxifying from sugar.

I will also include all my measurements and body mass index stats before and during this challenge. So wish me luck and health on my journey to delete sugar out of my daily life. Sometimes you have to sacrifice to see the real reward, then you will realize it never was a sacrifice but only a reward.

To clarify, my #nomoresugar challenge is a whole foods diet, which only includes: grass fed beef, wild fish, wild turkey and organic eggs (from my friends’ farm). Nothing is processed except for my loose-leaf teas.

Christine Rodriguez is a former professional boxer, a nutritional chef, personal trainer, massage therapist and boxing coach.

January 22 – February 4, 2015ACE: Arts •

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By B. Noel Barr, Music Writer-dude

Boardwalk GrIllC a s u a l w a t e r f r o n t d in ing a t i t s finest! Famous fo r s l a b s o f Chicago-sty le baby back ribs, fish-n-chips, rich clam chowder,

cold beer on tap and wine. Full lunch menu also includes salads, sandwiches and burgers. Indoor and outdoor patio dining available. Proudly pouring Starbucks coffee. Open 7 days a week. Free Parking. Boardwalk Grill • 1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor - Berth 77, San Pedro • (310) 519-7551

BuoNo’S AutHeNtic PizzeriAA S a n P e d r o landmark for over 40 years, famous for except ional a w a r d - w i n n i n g pizza baked in brick ovens. Buono’s also offers classic Italian dishes and

sauces based on tried-and-true family recipes and hand-selected ingredients that are prepared fresh. You can dine-in or take-out. Delivery and catering are also provided. Additionally, there are two locations in Long Beach. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. • Buono’s Pizzeria • 1432 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro • (310) 547-0655 www.buonospizza.com

HAPPy DiNerThe Happy Diner isn’t your average diner. If you pay attention to their special menu on their blackboards (yeah plural, they have about three), it’s almost a certainty you’re going to find something new from week to week. The

cuisine runs the gamut of Italian and Mexican cuisine to American continental. The Happy Diner chefs are always creating something new. They believe that if an item is good, its reputation will get around by word of mouth. You can even find items normally found at curbside lonchera trucks. You can take your pick of grilled salmon over pasta or tilapia and vegetables, prepared anyway you like. Another item that’s emerged from their flair for the creative is their chicken enchiladas soup made from scratch, a soup Roman describes as very thin and flavorful. Happy Diner • (310) 241-0917 • 617 S. centre St., San Pedro

MiSHi’S StruDeL BAkery Mishi’s is a fragrant landmark on 7th Street, where it is possible to find Nirvana by following your nose. The enticing aroma of baking strudel is impossible to resist, and the café is warm and welcoming like your favorite auntie’s house. Aniko and Mishi have expanded the menu to include homemade goulash, soups and a variety of sweet

and savory Hungarian strudels, crépes and pastas. Take a frozen strudel home to bake in your own kitchen and create that heavenly aroma at your house. Mishi’s Strudel Bakery and café, 309 W.7th St . , San Pedro • (310) 832-6474 www.mishisstrudel.com

NAzeLie’S LeBANeSe cuiSiNeN a z e l i e ’ s L e b a n e s e C u i s i n e i s a favorite of the neighborhood for the terrific kabobs, beef o r c h i c k e n s h a w a r m a , lamb dishes and

falafel. Nazelie’s chicken and rice soup with lemon is like a warm embrace—it takes chicken soup to a whole new level. Nazelie uses a recipe handed down in her family for generations, starting with homemade chicken broth, and adding a refreshing touch of lemon for taste and nutrients. Nazelie’s Lebanese café, 1919 S.Pacific Avenue, San Pedro. (310) 519-1919

PHiLie B’S oN SiXtHOwner Ph i l i e Buscemi welcomes you to Philie B’s on Sixth, where New York style pizza, Sicilian rice balls and pizza by-the-slice are the specialties. Fresh hot or cold sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, and fresh salads are also served. Try the “White Pizza” with smooth ricotta, mozzarella and sharp

Pecorino-Romano cheeses topped with torn fresh basil. Extended hours accommodate San Pedro’s unique lifestyle and work schedules. Catering and fast, free local delivery ($15 min.) available. Philie B’s on Sixth • 347 W. 6th Street, San Pedro (310) 514-2500 www.philiebsonsixth.com

PortS o’cALL WAterFroNt DiNiNGSince 1961 we’ve extended a hear ty welcome to visitors from every corner of the globe. Delight in an awe-inspiring view of the dynamic LA Harbor while enjoying exquisite

Coastal California Cuisine and Varietals. Relax in the Plank Bar or Outdoor Patio for the best Happy Hour on the Waterfront. With the Award-Winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, receive the first SPIRIT CRUISES Harbor Cruise of the day FREE. Open 7 days, lunch and dinner. Free Parking. Ports o’call Waterfront Dining • 1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor - Berth 76, San Pedro • (310) 833-3553 www.Portsocalldining.com

SAN PeDro BreWiNG coMPANyA microbrewery and American grill, SPBC features hand-c ra f ted award -w inn ing ales and lagers served with creative pastas, bbq, sandwiches, salads and burgers. A full bar with made-from-scratch margaritas and a martini menu all add fun

to the warm and friendly atmosphere. WI-FI bar connected for Web surfing and e-mail—bring your laptop. Live music on Saturdays. Hours: From 11:30 a.m., daily. San Pedro Brewing company • 331 W. 6th St., San Pedro • (310) 831-5663 • www.sanpedrobrewing.com

SPirit cruiSeSAn instant par ty ! Complete with all you need to relax and enjoy while the majesty of the harbor slips by. Our three yachts and

seasoned staff provide for an exquisite excursion every time, and “all-inclusive” pricing makes party planning easy! Dinner Cruise features a 3-course meal, full bar, unlimited cocktails and starlight dancing. Offering the ultimate excursion for any occasion. Free Parking. Spirit cruises • 1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor - Berth 77, San Pedro • (310) 548-8080, (562) 495-5884 • www.spiritmarine.com

tALLy’S SANDWicHeSOne of San Pedro’s n e w e s t d i n i n g s p o t s , Ta l l y ’ s o f fe r s a f r e s h take on American homemade cuisine. Everything, from the hamburgers,

ground in-house, to the macaroni salad is made fresh daily. Open for lunch and dinner; enjoy one of the specials as you dine in this unassuming, centrally located sandwich shop. Feeling adventurous? Try the Thursday Thanksgiving sandwich special with homemade stuffing. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1438 S. Pacific Ave. San Pedro. (310) 974-0728.

tHe WHALe & ALeSan Pedro’s British Gast ro Pub o f fe rs comfortable dining in oak paneled setting, featuring English fish & chips, roast prime rib,

sea bass, rack of lamb, beef Wellington, meat pies, salmon, swordfish & vegetarian dishes. Open for lunch & dinner, 7days/wk; great selection of wines; 14 British tap ales, & full bar. Frequent live music. First Thursday live band & special fixed price menu. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sat. & Sun. 1-10 p.m. Bar open late. the Whale & Ale • 327 W. 7th St., San Pedro • (310) 832-0363 • www.whaleandale.com

On Jan. 23, the Blues Foundation is honoring 15 individuals and organizations who support and promote the blues. KJAZZ radio personality Gary Wagner will be one of recipients of the prestigious Keeping The Blues Alive Award at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.

The International Blues Challenge is a five-day event, where the best musicians from around the world come to perform.

Wagner has been part of the community-based radio station at California State University Long Beach for more than 20 years. Nicknamed “The Wag Man,” he is the host of the long-running “Nothing But The Blues,” as well as having been the master of ceremonies of the old Long Beach Blues Festival.

Random Lengths News met with Gary Wagner during his Sunday broadcast, just after the award announcement was made.

“It feels good,” said Wagner. “I’ve been working at this a long time.”

The veteran blues-host started broadcasting when he was 17 years old.

“That was an accident, I didn’t start full time on the blues till I came to KLON (Now KJAZZ),” he said, laughingly. “I used to play blues on my rock show in Chicago. On progressive rock (classic rock) stations back then you could do that. When I got the call to come here, management asked if I could do the blues show. At first I said, ‘No, I don’t really know that much about it.’ They asked if I could ‘fill in for a little while ‘til we get someone permanently.’ I said, ‘Sure.’”

The station management said they would have people that come and help Wagner program the show. Shortly after, he got rid of the help.

“I hated the music they were picking for me.”

Since then, he has been in charge of his playlist for each show. For the most part, radio stations across America today don’t let the disc jockeys program their own shows. Wagner is one of the few who has the privilege.

“After a couple of months management came to me. They said, [they] had found someone to replace me, adding, ‘We like the work you do, but we need someone with a personality,’” Wagner recalled.

The replacement quit after nine months. “They called again and said can you help us

out?” Wagner continued. “I said I’ll come back but only if it is permanent. That is how I started playing the blues. I didn’t feel qualified at the time, but after 23 years you get qualified. It rubs off on you somehow.”

We asked about Wagner’s meeting with the legendary Muddy Waters.

“That was an accident too,” he said. “Back in the 70s, I was doing the evening shift at WJKO in Elgin, Ill. I was on at 7 and Muddy was coming in for an interview about 5. The guy on before me called in sick. So, they needed someone to do that interview and they called me. I wasn’t qualified to do that and was unprepared, but I interviewed Muddy. Then I asked him why his mother named him ‘Muddy Waters.’”

The bluesman fired back to the young DJ. “My mama didn’t name me Muddy Waters,

my mama named me McKinley Morganfield,” he said. “Muddy Waters is my date name.”

The young radio man pushed ahead asking, “Well why Muddy Waters?”

“The Muddy Mississippi of course,” the bluesman replied.

“Eventually we smoothed it out and became friends,” Wagner added.

“The Wag Man” spoke about some of the highlights he had experienced during his time at KJAZZ.

“I think it would be being the master of ceremonies at the Long Beach Blues Festival,” he said. “It was hard work, they were doing it for three days. By the end of the third day I couldn’t even

talk. But it was fun to meet all those people. Wagner also spoke about the state of the

blues today. “I know some people think that it needs to [be]

kept alive, but I don’t think it is in danger of doing anything, but living,” Wagner said. “It’s doing pretty good, actually. There’s a lot of young people getting

into it. This music goes in cycles.” He continued speaking on the future of

the genre. “I think it should be as common on the

radio as classic rock,” he said. “Here we are in America. It’s America’s music and nobody plays it. It needs to move over into the mainstream.”

Gary Wagner is the last of a breed of broadcasters who are not just back announcing a pre-programmed playlist. He knows the blues and he enjoys the craft of good radio.

In addition to the upcoming award that he will receive in Memphis. Wagner received a Lifetime

Achievement Award at the 2014 New Blues Festival this past Labor Day weekend, along with Bernie Pearl (blues musician, promoter and DJ) and Danny Jacobson (publisher of Southland Blues, promoter) for their efforts in support of blues music.

We congratulate the veteran radio personality for the tremendous job of promoting blues music in Southern California on KJAZZ 88.1 FM and around the world via the Internet on KJAZZ.org. His listeners from around the Southland and beyond tune in every Saturday and Sunday to hear the “The Wag Man.”

The Memphis Based Blues Foundation Honors KJAZZ Personality Gary Wagner

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Advertise Here for As Low As

$35

(310) 519-1442per Month!

A r t O p e n i n g s | F i n e D i n i n g | L i v e M u s i c | s p e c i A L p e r F O r M A n c e s | F O O D t r u c k s

Studio Gallery 345Studio 345 offers a new show to start February 1, 2015. Paintings, prints, books, jewelry for gifts for your sweetheart or for you. Jewelry by Carlos and wooden works by Wyland will also be featured. Open 6-8:30 pm on 1st Thursday and by appointment. For more information call Gloria at 310.545.0832 or Pat at 310.374.8055 • 345 W. 7th Street, San Pedro

The Loft GalleryThe work of Sam Arno, Carol Hungerford, Candice Gawne, Jan Govaerts, Muriel Olguin, Daniel Porras, Annemarie Rawlinson, Nancy Towne-Shcultz. Open First Thursday 6–9 p.m. Open Saturdays & Sundays 2-5 p.m. • 401 S. Mesa St. • 310.831.5757

Michael Stearns Studio 347nO expectAtiOns - A jurieD grOup exhibitAt MichAeL steArns stuDiO 347Works in this show address the theme of relationships, expectations, possibilities, hope as well as disappointment. We are happy to host 18 accomplished artists, showing work in the fields of painting, photography and sculpture. Exhibit runs through February 28. Michael Stearns Studio 347 is located at 347 W. 7th St., San Pedro. Open for San Pedro First Thursday Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Call (562) 400-0544 for information or appointments.

January 22 – February 4, 2015ACE: Arts •

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SelmaBy Davey D. Cook, Guest Columnist and Oakland-based Community Activist

A few thoughts on the movie Selma. First and foremost, go see it. Again, I repeat, go see the movie.

I t ’s powerful ; i t ’s moving; it’s inspiring; it opens the doors for deeper and more critical conversations. At a time when the rewriting of textbooks in many states have completely erased movements, heroes and heroines, this movie takes on added importance.

At a time when states, such as Arizona, are going full tilt in banning and removing books from the classroom and are making it unlawful to have ethnic studies taught in the classroom, Selma is important.

At a time when we are constantly bombarded with white savior-type movies and narratives that downplay and marginalize black agency, then coupled with an onslaught of clownish reality shows neatly packaged and sold to us as primary examples of ‘black culture,’ Selma is important.

At a time when millions of our children are subjected to mandated, backward, ill-intentioned programs like ‘No Child Left Behind’ and ‘Common Core,’ which are seemingly designed to suppress critical thinking, Selma is important.

For those of us who are students of history or have been blessed with parents, relatives or key individuals in our lives who directed us to materials that provided a ‘more accurate’ political and social context of the accounts connected to Selma, we have a responsibility to use this movie as a teaching tool.

We have responsibility to take the excitement this movie has generated and turn folks onto all the people and outlying narratives director Ava DuVernay weaves in and out of the movie.

We should really focus on the outright brutality and the repression shown in the film. Let’s not take it for granted. Let’s explore what terrorism in the United States looked like and what many would argue still looks like 50 years later. We had churches being bombed and people being killed with impunity. We also had ordinary folks who were willing to risk life, limb and freedom to get rights we take for granted today. How does what happened mirror or differ from what’s happening today, when so many of our people are being killed by police?

You can find the documentary, How the FBI Sabotaged Black America, online, which can provide additional information. We need to discuss domestic surveillance back in 1965 and domestic surveillance today and ask why that issue has not been resolved. We need to ask why it is accepted in some circles in 2015?

In the film, we hear discussion about what

took place in Albany, Ga. when civil rights leaders confronted police Chief Laurie Pritchett. In the film, King asks if the police chief in Selma, Jim Clark was like Pritchett or Bull Connor? It informs the strategy for how leaders approach Selma.

For us watching, we should look into how those in power adapted to King’s strategy of filling jails. In the PBS series Eyes on the Prize episode 4 called, “No Easy Walk,” Pritchett talks about how he read King’s book and found a way to redo mass arrests and not have it impact the city’s operations. He rendered Kings strategy useless. We should be discussing how those tactics work today?

We should be looking up figures like James Lee Jackson, who was shot and killed by Alabama State troopers, and understand what he meant to the Movement. We should be exploring the killing of white religious leader James Reeb and how that galvanized the nation. That led to people, like former Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee leader Stokely Carmichael (later Kwame Toure), pointing out the inherent racism of America. The country would sit quietly when black people like Jimmy Lee Jackson was killed fighting for freedom, but be up in arms and ready to make change when the victim is white.

There are too many gems to cite that are excellently highlighted in Selma that we should be building on.

With regards to Selma being snubbed by the Oscars I agree wholeheartedly with Spike Lee, “F’em!” The academy deserves an unapologetic middle finger and at the same time, this snub should serve as inspiration for us to not look for validation from institutions that time and time again marginalize and ridicule us and our accomplishments.

If we are going to have award shows, perhaps its time to revisit and revitalize the Oscar Micheaux Awards that were started by the late Ava Montague of San Francisco. This had a nice run in the late 1980s through the early 90s.

The primary push back on Selma within the mainstream circles centers around how DuVernay depicts Kings relationship with President Lyndon Johnson. Folks seemed upset that King was shown as someone who stood

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JANuAry 23Andy and reneeAndy Hill and Renee Safier will be performing, at 8 p.m. Jan. 23, at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. The South Bay-based duo has been performing together for more than 20 years. Their folk-driven rock performances draw loyal fans and high-energy sell-out crowds. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Details: www.grandvision.orgVenue: Grand AnnexLocation: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro

Don Alder GuitaristDon Alder will be performing, at 8 p.m. Jan. 23, at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Don Alder’s music is a unique combination of deeply textured melody and story. Lyrical and compelling, his original songs are notes of exploration – some passionate and haunting, some hard-driven, others light and teasing. Cover is $20.Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.comVenue: Alvas Showroom Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro

JANuAry 24circus of SinFire dancers, contortionists, aerialists, all machinate in this Femme Fatale cabaret. It’s a haberdashery of delicious, decadent delights! There are two shows: An early show at 9:30 p.m. and the late show at 11p.m., with two separate seatings. Ticket Price is $15. Doors open at 8 p.m.Details: (562) 239-3700; http://longbeach.harvelles.com/Venue: Harvelle’s in Long BeachLocation: 201 E. Broadway,, Long Beach

Scottish Songs, tunesPiper David Brewer and fiddler Rebecca Lomnicky perform, at 8 p.m. Jan. 24, at the Grand Annex in San Pedro. They deliver high energy reels along with elegant tunes on bagpipes and fiddle, with guest vocalists. General admission is $20 and $25 at the door. Details: www.grandvision.orgVenue: Grand AnnexLocation: 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro

carl Verheyen NAMM Show QuartetCarl Verheyen performs, at 8 p.m. Jan. 24, at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Carl Verheyen is a critically-acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with 11 CDs and two live DVDs released worldwide to his name. Cover is $20.Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.comVenue: Alvas Showroom Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro

JANuAry 25Josh Nelson, east Meets West QuartetJosh Nelson performs, at 3 p.m. Jan 25, at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist and composer Nelson brings an all-star group for a special one-time performance. The “East Meets West” Quartet is just that: 2 artists from each coast. Repertoire from the jazz standard songbook as well as striking original music will be performed. Cover is $20.Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.comVenue: Alvas Showroom Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro

JANuAry 27Harvelle’s underground comedy Featuring celebrity comicsThis isn’t your run of the mill comedy show thrown together by some open mic comedians at some dive bar. The host, Shaun Latham has multiple appearances on Comedy Central. The comedians booked any random Tuesday are regularly seen on today’s top late-night talk shows, hit sitcoms, top pay-per-view channels like HBO, Showtime, and the flagship comedy network itself, Comedy Central. Tickets are $10 to $25. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admittance is for 21 and older only.Details: (562) 239-3700; http://longbeach.harvelles.comVenue: Harvelle’s in Long BeachLocation: 201 E. Broadway,, Long Beach

JANuAry 29Berlin - industrial Dance klubBerlin is a huge industrial dance klub, starting at 10 p.m. Jan. 29, at the Alpine Village Bierhall. The Alpine Village Bierhall is a traditional German/Bavarian hall with a huge dance floor, pro sound system and a full bar with 20-plus craft and imported beers on tap. Only people 21 years and older are admitted. Cover is $5. The first 20 paid people through the door will get a limited edition white Berling T-shirt.Details: www.clubberlinla.comVenue: Alpine VillageLocation: 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance

Aristocrats The Aristocrats, will perform from 8 p.m Jan. 29 and 30, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, and 5 p.m. Feb. 1, at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro Details: (800) 403-3447; www.alvasshowroom.comVenue: Alvas Showroom Location: 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro

FeBruAry 7A Wailing of town Fundraiser at HaroldsThis show is fundraiser for Craig Ibarra’s self published work, A Wailing of a Town: An Oral History of Early San Pedro Punk and More 1977-1985. Crazy talent and even crazier legends will be performing. The lineup includes, Fartbarf, who will up at 10 p.m., Toys that Kill at 9 p.m., San Pedro Slim at 8 p.m., Mike Watt and the Secondmen at 7 p.m., and Under the Son at 6 p.m.Details: (310) 832-5503Venue: Harold’s PlaceLocation: 1908 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro

JANuAry 25

Whale FiestaCabrillo Marine Aquarium will celebrate the 44th anniversary of the annual Whale Fiesta, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25. This event celebrates marine mammals and the beginning of the migration of the Pacific gray whales along Southern California.Details: (310) 548-7562; www.cabrillomarineaquarium.orgVenue: Cabrillo Marine AquariumLocation: 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro

JANuAry 31tidepool WondersExplore one of the lowest tides of the year on the rocky shore, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Jan. 31 or from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1, at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Bring family and friends to the aquarium’s John M. Olguin Auditorium for an informative slide show, followed by a walk led by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium education staff to the nearby Point Fermin tidepools. Details: (310) 548-7562; www.cabrillomarineaquarium.orgVenue: Cabrillo Marine AquariumLocation: 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro

FeBruAry 1First Sunday Speaker SeriesThe San Pedro Bay Historical Society presents Bill Muller, descendant of William Muller, as part of their First Sunday Speaker Series, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1, in the Community Room of the San Pedro Library. Admission is free.Details: sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.orgVenue: San Pedro LibraryLocation: 931 Gaffey St., San Pedro

FeBruAry 4cMA Sea clubThird to sixth grade students enrolled in Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s SEA Club (Science Education Afternoons) will learn while having fun exploring the local marine environment, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4. The Aquarium’s marine laboratory classroom will serve as a base station for hands-on ocean exploration. Details: (310) 548-7562; www.cabrillomarineaquarium.orgVenue: Cabrillo Marine AquariumLocation: 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro

The film, Selma, is in theatres now. File photo.

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Selma

Artists reACt

on his own two feet, was uncompromising and actually pushed, defied and agitated the president to do the right thing with regards to bringing into fruition the Voting Rights Act.

Even more troubling is some brought into the notion that Johnson lead the Civil Rights Movement and directed King and was the brain power behind the marches on Selma. They point to a taped phone call Johnson had with King as proof positive. DuVernay saw such assertions as ‘jaw dropping.’

Rep. John Lewis who at the time (1965) was a member of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and prominently featured in the film recently penned an Op-ed, for the Los Angeles Times rebuffing that erroneous notion.

In it, he writes: Were any of the Selma marches the

brainchild of President Johnson? Absolutely not. If a man is chained to a chair, does anyone need to tell him he should struggle to be free? The truth is the marches occurred mainly due to the extraordinary vision of the ordinary people of Selma, who were determined to win the right to vote, and it is their will that made a way.

As for the phone call, Lewis notes: ...the president knew he was recording

himself, so maybe he was tempted to verbally stack the deck about his role in Selma in his favor. The facts, however, do not bear out the assertion that Selma was his idea. I know. I was there. Don’t get me wrong, in my view, Johnson is one of this country’s great presidents, but he did not direct the civil rights movement.

The critiques around Johnson and his relationship to King is telling, especially when it comes from folks who heaped praise upon films like Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, where

actor Daniel Day-Lewis’ Lincoln was hailed as groundbreaking.

The film went on to win lots of Golden Globe and Academy Awards. When it was pointed out “this great film” had omitted former enslaved Africans-turned-freedom fighters and staunch abolitionists, Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth who played crucial roles in pushing Lincoln to address the issue of slavery, it was dismissed as “no big deal.”

“It’s just a movie not a documentary,” some claimed, even as it was being hailed as a cinematic masterpiece all should watch to learn about Lincoln. People were told the story was about Lincoln, not Douglass or Truth, and thus not central to the storyline of the movie. The omission of Douglass is a salient point Lewis makes in his Op-ed.

The bottom line, is Selma is not a “white saviour” type film. It doesn’t have a prominent white character that saves the day for the “needy helpless Negro.”

Sadly, that becomes a problem for some because it goes against the popular narrative many have come to hold. Maybe the angst that many feel around King being so uncompromising in the movie is that it’s a tactic we should be using today with all our elected officials.

King had a good relationship with Johnson, and yet in the movie he pushed him and pushed

we cannot hide inside locked boxes. We must all be Charlie.

PAt woolley, aRtist at studio 345 in san PedRo

Yes, I am an artist in San Pedro a n d y e s I a m French-born. The horrible tragedy in Paris has been on my mind since it happened.

I come from the south. There are many Arabs living

in the there, mostly Algerians. France is one of the most tolerant countries as to race and religion, but there is a strong division between church and state. There has been a grumble lately from the Muslims that schools would not tolerate girls wearing headscarves, while Christians and Jews were not allowed to wear crosses, etc.

Like all big cities, Paris has its public housing on the outskirts, many are Arab families, poor, uneducated even if they are French citizens. Many young men, in particular, are unemployed, who may come from dysfunctional families, little

education and no future. They become isolated from the rest of the society they see around them and look for excitement and purpose. Unfortunately, they get attached to the wrong elements. They see the radical Muslims in Iran as powerful, and they join them. The two that attacked Charlie Hebdo were a good example.

This magazine is known for political cartoons, certainly not only Muslims. They ridicule the French president and all kinds of political and religious figures. I certainly cannot condone the horrible act of violence against the artists and applaud their courage, but I wonder, if knowing how edgy the subject was, it was wise for them to print this. I certainly believe in liberty and free speech but I also believe—nowadays—it might be better to back down a little. Let’s face it: several innocent people died (who) had nothing to do with Charlie Hebdo.

PeGGy ZAsk, aRtist, CuRatoR at south Bay ContemPoRaRy gaLLeRy

The terrorists are people from a culture without freedom. They do not understand or respect freedom as do people in developed countries.

If artists want to express their ideas and responses in this global culture, they must embrace the reaction that may ensue. France has a toxic mix of democratic and non-democratic populations, and the massacre that happened was tragic.

We, as an art community, should do everything we can to preserve freedom in the world. Can the artists of the world be censored? I think now is a time to focus on worldwide issues of censorship and make art that addresses every challenge to our freedom on all fronts.

I think there is an intense energy rising in our art community that will fill the world with expressions of freedom. As a curator, I would like to put together a show that captures and shares today’s feelings—and do whatever we can to preserve creative freedom.

him hard. Should we not be doing that with President Barack Obama and other elected officials we like and admire, or have good relationships with?

For those who suggest King wasn’t that aggressive and uncompromising as shown in the film, explain how it was that King went hard in the paint around the issue of the Vietnam War angering Johnson, as well as other prominent Civil Rights leaders.

People love King now, but forget he was absolutely despised in 1968 and publicly skewered by many because he stuck to his principles and made the important international connection between the war in Vietnam and the war at home. King in his final days said time and time again this was not about being popular, getting a check or being friends with the president, it was about justice and doing what’s right. How does that apply today in our collective actions?

Selma is a [great] movie that hopefully leads to more exploration into our past, which is then juxtaposed with what is going on the freedom movements today. Selma was 50 years ago and we still have many of the same problems, including a return of some of the egregious tactics used to stop us from voting, which led to a Selma Movement in the first place.

FeBruAry 6the Golden Shore - california’s Love Affair with the Sea”Cabrillo Marine Aquarium invites you to meet David Helvarg author and executive director of the Blue Frontier, at the Discovery Lecture Series, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 6. In recounting his discoveries researching The Golden Shore, his critically acclaimed book on how California is defined by the Pacific, author and ocean activist David Helvarg will share the amazing history, culture and changing nature of the California coast and ocean. Lecture is free. RSVP.Details: (310) 548-7562; lecture@cmaqua.orgVenue: John M. Olguin AuditoriumLocation: 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro

JANuAry 23coming Home: exotic takes from the east … or … When i Lived in PhillyThe Found Theatre host Long Beach artist Jenny Jacobs, at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24, for her one-woman cabaret Coming Home: Exotic Takes from the East … Or … When I Lived in Philly. In 2005, Jenny Jacobs set out on an adventure that took her across the country to Philadelphia. In the fall of 2013, she returned to her home town of Long Beach where she continues her personal mission of deepening the community’s appreciation for the performing arts as a teacher, performer, choreographer...and always a dreamer. Tickets are $20.Details: jennyjacobs.netVenue: The Found TheatreLocation: 599 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach

JANuAry 24therese raquinTherese Raquin performs, Jan. 24, at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. Therese Raquin surrenders to lust in Tobias Picker’s operatic tale of primal appetites embraced by a lavish, sensual score that mirrors a turbulent, forbidden affair. Produced by Long Beach Opera, sung in English with supertitles. Tickets range from $29 to $160.Details: (562) 432-5934; longbeachopera.org Venue: Warner Grand TheatreLocation: 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

JANuAry 25Wild and Scenic Film FestivalThe Wild and Scenic Film Festival takes place, at 3 p.m. Jan. 25, at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. This premier environmental and adventure film festival combines stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite conservation efforts. In celebration of the Warner Grand 84th Birthday, Grand Vision Foundation will unveil recent improvements to the lower lobby. Cake and good cheer will be available during intermission (5 p.m.) in the lower lobby, where Grand Vision representatives will talk about recent improvements.Details: (310) 541-7613; www.pvplc.org/_activities/events.aspVenue: Warner Grand TheatreLocation: 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro

JANuAry 31Navia AlejandroGallery Azul presents the works of Navia Alejandro at its opening reception, Jan. 31. Navia is a subliminal realist artist, with a goal to create an art style as he experiences, witnesses and dreams. He hopes to give the viewer a unique look into a lost world of the forgotten Xicano lifestyle, in Los Angeles and Mexico. Venue: Gallery AzulLocation: 520 W. 8th St., San Pedro

FeBruAry 8Angels Gate cultural center Gallery openingIn Main Gallery I, there’s an exhibit called Service and Other Stories: A living History Project, which highlights the memories of veterans of the Armed Forces. Details: www.angelsgateart.orgVenue: Angels Gate Cultural CenterLocation: 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro

17

The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

The new emergency room, which opens Feb. 10, is almost twice the size of the existing emergency room with 39 private treatment areas and larger rooms for ambulance access. The facility has also added new specialty services including an intensive care unit, inpatient physical therapy and a bariatric, or weight loss, surgery center.

This focus on patient care resulted in the building of 140 individual patient rooms and the addition of design elements such as rubber floors, and a healing garden to serve the hospital in both form and functionality.

Josel said. “We see this as a way forward to keep serving that membership, and all of our members across the South Bay.”

“We first came to the Harbor Area specifically to serve the ILWU,” Josel said. “When we first came to Harbor City, it was to serve longshoremen and their families. Those are still very much part of our membership and important patients.”

“It’s important that those patients feel comfortable... just the same as everybody else.”

The update is part of Kaiser’s ongoing effort to renew and improve its 10 active facilities throughout the South Bay and five hospitals throughout Los Angeles in the next 5 years.

The entire hospital will also be outfitted with KP Health Connect, an electronic medical records system that affords staff members the ability to access patient records not only in the hospital, but in any Kaiser facility.

Kaiser arrived in the South Bay in 1950 to serve longshore workers at the Port of Los Angeles. Overtime Kaiser became a community- based hospital.

“We’re proud of our background serving the ILWU,” Assistant Public Affairs Director Serena

New Kaiser Facility to Openfrom p. 3

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19

The Local Publication You Actually Read January 22 - February 4, 2015

Fictitious Business Name statement

File No. 2014327878The following person is doing busi-ness as: (1) The Mak look, (2) elise Mak, 302 W. 5th Street Suite 303, San Pedro, CA 90731, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Elise Young, 302 W. 5th Street Suite 303, San Pedro, CA 90731. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A regis-trant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Jeanna Ynfante, owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2014. Notice--In Accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Profes-sions code).Original filing: 12/11/2014, 12/23/2014, 01/08/2015, 01/22/2015

Fictitious Business Name statement

File No. 2014326508The following person is doing busi-ness as: Butch’s Auto Repair Inc., 1204 N. Gaffey, San Pedro, CA 90731. Articles of Incorporation #: 2384509. Los Angeles County. Reg-istered owners: Butch’s Auto Repair Inc.,1204 N. Gaffey, San Pedro, CA 90731. This Business is conducted by a corporation. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: Jan. 1, 2002. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. John Malinofsky Jr, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Nov. 17, 2014. Notice--In Accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Profes-sions code).Original filing: 12/11/2014, 12/23/2014, 01/08/2015, 01/22/2015

Fictitious Business Name statement

File No. 2014342227The following person is doing busi-ness as: Acuspeed, 1218 W. 14th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Diane Beccerra, 1218 W. 14th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A regis-trant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Diane Beccerra,

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES/LEGAL FILINGSowner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Dec. 4, 2014. Notice--In Accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Profes-sions code).Original filing: 12/23/2014, 01/08/2015, 01/22/2015, 2/5/2015

Fictitious Business Name statement

File No. 2014347808The following person is doing busi-ness as: Mae Jacquet publishing, 1337 W. 9th Street, San Pedro, CA 90732, Los Angeles County.Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5187, San Pedro, CA 90733. Registered owners: Wilson N. Simmons III, 1337 W. 9th Street, San Pedro, CA 90732. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious busi-ness name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Wilson N. Simmons III, owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Dec. 10, 2014. Notice--In Accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Profes-sions code).Original filing: 12/23/2014, 01/08/2015, 01/22/2015, 2/5/2015

Fictitious Business Name statement

File No. 2014347807The following person is doing busi-ness as: ink pad, 14057 Arthur Ave., Paramount, CA 90723, Los Angeles County. Registered owners: Raymond M. Hoskins, 14057 Arthur Ave., Para-mount, CA 90723. This Business is conducted by an individual. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) S/. Raymond M. Hoskins, owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Dec. 10, 2014. Notice--In Accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of

a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Profes-sions code).Original filing: 12/23/2014, 01/08/2015, 01/22/2015, 2/5/2015

Fictitious Business Name statement

File No. 2014355231The following person is doing busi-ness as: Harbor Area Farmers Markets, 759 Linden Ave., Long Beach, Ca 90813. Los Angeles County. Article of Incorporation# C033782. Registered owners: South Coast Interfaith Council , 759 Linden Ave., Long Beach, Ca 90813. This Business is conducted by a corpora-tion. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: July 4, 1980. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty

of a crime.) S/.Dale Whitney, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on Dec. 18, 2014. Notice--In Accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920. were to expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration.The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 1411 ET SEQ., Business and Profes-sions code).Original filing: 01/08/2015, 01/22/2015,

02/5/2015, 02/19/2015

energy in soliciting that assistance? Where is his plan of action? What has he done or is he doing? Is the recognition of this high danger accompanied by lack of action not considered a “dereliction of duty”?

This situation must be handled immediately. The Palos Verdes fault has been identified by the latest USGS report as being a fault probable for greater seismic activity. Terrorism is increasing daily…and the ports of LA and Long Beach rank high on the list of terrorism targets. Must we really wait for the devastating earthquake or horrific act of terrorism to prove our point? Why?Massive Flaring Incidents

The flaring incident of Jan. 12 at the Phillips 66 refinery has greatly heightened the concern of our membership. Two apparently

serious flaring incidents in 12 days can hardly be considered routine. The simplistic explanation given by AQMD that they were simply the result of an equipment issue does nothing to ease our apprehension regarding Phillips 66 ability to protect our families from a potential disaster. In some cases, equipment failure could result in a devastating event.

My prior email request for a full disclosure report on the reason for the event of Jan. 1 has not been received, San Pedro Peninsula Homeowners United is respectfully requesting that the most recent event of Jan. 12 be included in that report. Why was Phillips 66 unable to prevent a second incident?

Please respond to this request ASAP.

Chuck Hart, PresidentSan Pedro Peninsula Homeowners

from p. 9

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pMA OFFiCiAls ADMiT THAT WesT COAsT CONgesTiON Crisis HAs BeeN CAuseD BY MANAgeriAl MisTAKes AND NOT Due TO DOCKWOrKersSAN FRANCISCO, CA – In contract negotiations this afternoon, officials from the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) told a federal mediator and longshore negotiators that West Coast portshave reached a point where there is lit-tle space available for additional import containers arriving on the docks—and no space for export and empty contain-ers returning to the docks. The PMA made it clear in the negotiat-ing session that they were not blaming union workers for the primary causes of the congestion crisis, explaining that the lack of space for returning empty and export containers was exacerbating the existing chassis shortage—because the export-bound containers are a key source of desperately needed chas-

sis that have become the #1 choke-point, ever since shipping lines recently stopped providing a chassis for each container arriving to West Coast ports. After explaining how the lack of dock space for containers and shortages of chassis were crippling the ports, the PMA announced an illogical plan to eliminate night-shifts at many ports. In addition to cutting shifts at major con-tainer ports, the PMA cutbacks would also apply to bulk and break-bulk oper-ations—for no apparent reason other than as a cynical tactic to generate anxiety among workers. The union has noted that cancelling night shifts and reducing bulk operations will do nothing to ease the congestion crisis. The PMA appears to be abusing public ports and

putting the economy at risk in a self-serving attempt to gain the upper hand at the bargaining table, and create the appearance of a crisis in order to score points with politicians in Washington. “Longshore workers are ready, willing and able to clear the backlog created by the industry’s poor decisions,” said ILWU President Bob McEllrath. “The employer is making nonsensical moves like cutting back on shifts at a critical time, creat-ing gridlock in a cynical attempt to turn public opinion against workers. This cre-ates an incendiary atmosphere during negotiations and does nothing to get us closer to an agreement.”

—Craig MerrileesCommunications Director

ILWU-International Longshore & Warehouse Union

ILWU locals support the LAUSD Harry Bridges SPAN School in Wilming-ton. The Los Angeles/Long Beach Propeller Club has raised money for college scholarships to Harbor Area high school students for 75 years. In cooperation with non-profits, the annual

ILWU Thanksgiving food donation drive gives back to Harbor Area families in need.

ILWU Walk the Coast benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand fight against childhood cancer.

The ILWU continues its tradition of support for education, youth sports, local events and non-profits in our communities.

Sponsored by ILWU Locals 13, 63, 94

AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL.

Above, The ILWU/Millers Children’s Hospital Charity Golf Tournament.