Long Beach Community Food Drive Kicks Off

Mayor Bob Foster, Food Finders, Friends of Long Beach Animals and We Love Long Beach are partnering together in this year’s Long Beach Community Food Drive with a goal to collect 100,000 pounds of food.

Barrels will be placed in several locations throughout the city to collect canned or packaged food as well as pet food to help out needy families and pets in Long Beach. Donations will be accepted starting today until Jan. 31, 2011. “Long Beach residents and businesses have always responded generously to our request for donations,” said Mayor Foster. “This year’s food drive goal is to collect 100,000 pounds of food, which would provide three meals a day to approximately 2,547 families for a week.”

Food Finders will collect from locations and then distribute the donated food to more than 100 organizations in Long Beach. “Many families won’t be able to have festive dinners or toys for the kids this year without our help,” said Arlene Mercer, Food Finders executive director. “Once again, we are asking for canned and packaged food as well as pet food. This year, we are also asking for monetary donations to help Food Finders purchase turkeys and hams to be given to Long Beach families.”

Additonally The Friends of Long Beach Animals will be collecting and distributing the donated pet food to owners who are finding it a challenge to provide for themselves and their pets. “It is a tragic reality that some pet owners are forced to consider the relinquishment of their pets due to the lack of household funds needed to properly feed and care for their animals,” said John Gonzales, president of the Friends of Long Beach Animals. “We ask that everyone include a pet food item with their donation. Helping our neighbors and their pets during difficult times will make Long Beach a better place.”

The newest partner in the food drive is the nonprofit We Love Long Beach. “The Long Beach Community Food Drive is the perfect chance for all of us to work together and make a difference in the lives of families and individuals throughout our city,” said Scott Jones, co-founder/director of We Love Long Beach. “We’re once again grateful for the partnership between Food Finders, the Mayor and Friends of Long Beach Animals. One hundred thousand pounds! Let’s do this!”

For a complete list of suggested items and drop-off locations, visit www.longbeach.gov/mayor.

Additional collection sites will be added in the coming weeks. About Food Finders Food Finders, Inc. is a multi-regional food bank that serves as a conduit between the donors, service agencies and people in need. The non-profit provides food to feed the impoverished and hungry people, and referral services in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. For more information, visit www.foodfinders.org.

About Friends of Long Beach Animals Friends of Long Beach Animals is a non-profit organization committed to saving animals’ lives through spay/neuter programs. They are dedicated to responsible pet ownership, education and humane treatment of all animals. www.friendsoflongbeachanimals.org

About We Love Long Beach We Love Long Beach is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to know and serve the people, the neighborhoods and the city of Long Beach. Through service learning education, neighborhood events, service projects and strategic partnerships, WLLB is fostering active citizenship in the lives of people throughout the city. www.welovelongbeach.org

What have the Democrats been thinking?

The Democrats are about to get clobbered…we are told by the pundits…and they are probably correct.

1-The “Tea Party” believes, and tells any who will listen, that the Obama Administration has burdened us all with too much debt, created massive unemployment and invested money in large corporations rather than solving unemployment.

2-The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow unlimited donations by corporations, unions and wealthy individuals to any political cause.  Justice Andrew Kennedy said we need not worry about donators being able to hide their donations because with the advent of Internet “searching” skills….it would be impossible for donators to hide their names.

3-When George W. Bush’s Treasury Secretary . Paul O’Neill objected to new tax cuts and warned Dick Cheney that deficits of ½ a trillion dollars for 2002 he was told “Reagan proved that deficits don’t matter.”  ( A month later Cheney told O’Neill he was fired.)

The Democrats haven’t told their story to the people …. And so there are even more uninformed voters than usual.

ANSWER #1 – Barack Obama was elected on November 11, 2008 and inaugurated on January 20, 2009.  In the three months before he took office over three million Americans lost their jobs-the biggest such loss in history –  and Bush signed a bill for ¾ of a trillion dollar bail out in October . A bill that had to be paid by Obama.  that arguably saved most of the giants of our financial  industry who, also arguably, were directly responsible for the crisis.  Losing 3 million jobs in 3 months was a first in our history and not surprisingly a drop like that had so much impetus behind it that unemployment couldn’t be slowed down for another six months.

WHY HASN’T THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE GOTTEN THIS MESSAGE OUT?

ANSWER #2 – This year’s election has produced unconscionable amounts of money for political advertising by both Democrats and Republicans.

However, last August, the Republican National Committee had only $5 million in its coffers and was $2mm in debt.  The Democrats, also running low, were prematurely ecstatic, thinking their opponents  wouldn’t be able to generate the large donations for the last few months of TV ads they normally do.   Guess what?  The rich Republicans figured out that donations to the RNC meant their names would be made public. But if they made the same donations to 527 and 501 ( c ) (4) organizations, sometimes called “Shadow RNCs”  .. run by Karl Rove, Ed Gillespie and Michael Duncan and others, the donors names would not be known.  Present estimates are that approximately $400 million is what will be spent by these Republican organizations by November 9. (That figure does not include “regular” donations of about $350million)   Seems that Justice Kennedy was incorrect in his predictions of clarity with donations.  The money will elect Senators and Representatives who will surely have a debt to the corporations and people who  gave the money.  Such political systems have existed before in our world…and they weren’t called democracies.

HOW WOULD INDEPENDENTS REACT TO THOSE FIGURES?  HOW WILL THE SUPREME COURT ACT?

ANSWER #3-When Bill Clinton left office in 2000 there was a $3 trillion surplus.  When Barack Obama took office there was a deficit of $1.43 trillion. That’s a swing of $4.5 trillion after two terms of George Bush tax-cuts.

There is tons of empirical evidence that tax cuts don’t improve the middle class.  The majority of the Bush cuts helped the wealthiest among us more than the poorest among us.  There is also evidence that increasing taxes increases the size of the middle class…as long as the taxes are not designed to pass on to the wealthiest citizens.

Also, Obama was locked into correcting the Mother of all “Recessions” with an almost immediate commitment to another $1 trillion in domestic spending to save American jobs. Additionally nearly $700 million a year was committed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  At least we’re out of Bush’s tragic war in Iraq, and scheduled to start leaving  Afghanistan next year.

Obama got a medical care bill passed that Republicans had blocked since 1932 and every Democratic President had promised since FDR!

The rest of the industrialized world is amazed at the cost of the U.S. health care system to its citizens.  More Americans declared bankruptcy because  of health costs in their senior years than for any other cause. (Until the present loan fiasco that was corrected by the financial reform bill.)

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, not up for reelection, has dedicated the next four years to overturning  the new health care plan and making sure the President only serves one term.  So much for “hands across the aisle.”

Obama got financial reform passed that would have avoided the terrible recession we are presently experiencing had it been passed during the Bush Administration. Already Republicans are being lobbied to soften the effects of the financial reform. Republican Congressional Leader, John Boehner, who used to pass out checks from big tobacco corporations to Republicans on the house floor, was non-committal when asked if he became Speaker would he disclose what went on in meetings with lobbyists. Of course, Mr. Boehner has received $4.5 million from donors so far this year. Including Googlel, Citigroup, RJ Reynolds.

THE OPPOSITION HAS TOLD YOU WHAT THEY WILL DO DNC – YOU MUST TELL THE PEOPLE!

Seal Beach Pony League Baseball Registration Is Now!

Baseball and Softball and T-Ball signs up soon.  50% off for military families.

Play begins on February 12, 2011 but registration begins today! Pony Baseball and Softball registration is available online at: https://sbpony.d4sportsreg.com/ until Thursday, January 20.

Skill assessments take place January 22 for Pinto, Mustang and Softball teams.

Which division is the right one for your “slugger”? Well go to: http://sbpony.clubspaces.com/pagecustom.aspx?id=17&o=473024

Ages shown are as of January 1, 2011 for girls and May 1, 2011 for boys.

Boys Baseball

-Mustang Division is ages 9-10       -Pinto Division is ages 7-8

Girls Softball

-10U Division – ages 9-10      -8U   Division – ages 7-8

Mixed Boys and Girls

-Shetland Division – ages 5-6       -T-Ball –ages 3-4

Alison Cotter is the volunteer publicity chairperson for Seal Beach Pony Baseball and Softball. She can be reached at Alison_cotter@yahoo.com

Seal Beach Pony Baseball and Softball registration is now open and available online at https://sbpony.d4sportsreg.com/ until Thursday, January 20. Skill assessments take place January 22 for Pinto, Mustang and Softball teams.

“It Ain’t Over yet folks” – – Slide Show Still Scheduled for Marina Center October 27.

The “Quiet General” Strikes Back..and how!

Lloyd Grove, 23 years with the Washington Post, now writing for The Daily Beast, recently interviewed retired General Hugh Shelton regarding his new book, “Without Hesitation.”

Shelton was the nation’s top military man under Presidents Clinton and Bush and while serving would never criticize (or flatter) any political leader publicly.   Well things have changed.

Succinctly the retired general says: John McCain was a “bully with a screw loose”, Al Gore was an arrogant grandstander; and Donald Rumsfeld  was a power-mad  know-it-all who wouldn’t listen to any military advice.

The 68 year old warrior served 38 years in the U.S.Army and from 1997 to 2001 as the top soldier for Clinton and Bush. He’s a staunch defender of the “Don’t Ask/ Don’t Tell” policy and says its worked for 17 years and it should continue. Regarding McCain he thought it didn’t matter if he got re-elected as a Senator since as part of a group of 100 the damage he could do was limited.

To read the entire article go to: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-15/general-hugh-shelton-on-clinton-rumsfeld-and-mccain/?om_rid=NsfafK&om_mid=_BMuE$YB8VNp1SM

Provide a bed for a homeless person…for NOTHING!

By Kim Masoner (Save Our Beach)

Have any single use grocery bags you don’t know what to do with? I just found out what I’m going to do with mine — crocheting single use plastic grocery bags into comfy bed rolls for homeless!

So if you have any Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons, Stater Brothers, Kmart, Target, Walmart, 99 Cent Store bags, please bring them to our beach cleanup this Saturday. If you can’t make it to our cleanup this Saturday, and you do have extra bags, please email me at kim@saveourbeach.org

Remember “Beach Cleanup” this Saturday with free yoga from 8 to 9 a.m. and then the cleanup is anytime from 8 a.m. until Noon.

Here’s why I’m giving out blue marbles this Saturday thanks to United By Blue http://bit.ly/aICtS0. United By Blue clothing company picks up 1 pound of trash for every item of clothing they sell. Love the concept!

Hope to see you in the sand ~ Kim Masoner, Founder
Save Our Beach – www.saveourbeach.org

(Editor’s Note) The saving of the Chilean miners was a “feel good” story that made the whole world feel better this week.  There is such a tendency to report only the awful things that occur in our world that sometimes its depressing to pick up a newspaper.

We here at “Whats Up in Seal Beach” are just amazed at how many selfless people there are in our community willing to help others and the environment. 

Our hat is off to all of you.  Keep up the good work!  You help make this a wonderful world.

Are you as smart as these youngsters? Most are under 9!

Remember when you weren’t exactly sure of the right answer in school. These children are quick. . . . and a couple may replace Leno and Letterman?

================================================

TEACHER:    Maria, go to the map and find North America

MARIA: Here it  is.

TEACHER:Correct.  Now class, who discovered   America ?

CLASS:    Maria.

____________________________________

TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?

JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables. __________________________________________

TEACHER:  Glenn, how do you spell ‘crocodile?’

GLEN:K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L’

TEACHER:  No, that’s wrong

GLEN:Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.

(I Love this child)

____________________________________________

TEACHER:   Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?

DONALD:     H I J K L M N O.

TEACHER:   What are you talking about?

DONALD:    Yesterday you said it’s H to O.

_________________________________

TEACHER:   Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn’t have ten years ago.

WINNIE:  Me!

_________________________________________

TEACHER:   Glen, why do you always get so dirty?

GLEN: Well, I’m a  lot closer to the ground than you are.

_______________________________________

TEACHER:     Millie, give me a sentence starting with ‘  I.

MILLIE:         I   is..

TEACHER:     No, Millie….. Always say, ‘I  am.’

MILLIE: All right…’I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.’

________________________________

TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but also admitted it.  Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn’t punish him?

LOUIS: Because George still had  the axe in his hand….

______________________________________

TEACHER:    Now, Simon , tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?

SIMON: No sir, I don’t have to, my Mom is a good cook.

______________________________

TEACHER: Clyde , your  composition on ‘My Dog’ is exactly the same as your   brother’s.. Did you copy his?

CLYDE  : No, sir. It’s the same dog.

(I want to adopt this kid!!!)

__________________________________

TEACHER:    Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer  interested?

HAROLD:     A teacher

__________________________________

LAUGHTER  IS THE SOUL’S MEDICINE – -Have a good time the rest of the day!

Founder’s Day Gala at Old Ranch Country Club…what a night!

A great time was had by all at the Old Ranch Country Club dancing to the music of the Emperors Classic Rock Band.

Needless to say we all love Seal Beach!  These are just a few that will end up here eventually.

– Libby Applegate

GO TO:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee

A hearty Irish laugh and a giant Irish heart …just left for heaven!

SEE that picture on your left.  Well that blue whale’s heart  is about one tenth the size of Dick McNicholl’s.

Joseph Richard “Dick” McNicholl was born on December 9, 1943 in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Leo and Alice McNicholl. In 1968 the U.S. got a “gift” when Dick and his wife Carol came to Long Beach.

Dick McNicholl

He was the third of four children, sister Marie and brothers Tom and Frankie. At a young age, Dick knew he belonged in the construction industry and began work as an apprentice carpenter in 1959. In 1968, Dick came to the United States, joined the Carpenters Local 710 and began his life in America.

In 1969 Dick married the love of his life Carol and started their family. Dick became a U. S. citizen in 1973, which was one of the most memorable events in his life. Due to a downturn in construction, Dick sought other means of work and in 1973, began a long and enjoyable career with the City of Long Beach….and he loved his Irish breakfasts in Seal Beach!

He worked for the Public Works Department for seven years and then became a building inspector with the Department of Planning and Building in 1980. Dick was able to rise to the top of his career due to his enthusiasm, drive and strong work ethic, retiring in 2003 as the City’s Chief Building Inspector. The list of people he helped along the way is far too long to list here.

Dick had the heart of a lion, believed strongly in his church, and was passionate about his family and his country. He was at ease wherever he went, making friends with all who crossed his path. The family dining and patio tables were the heart of many gatherings, discussions, deep thoughts and fond memories. During his illness, Dick’s unwavering courage and determination inspired his family and friends. His smile and sense of humor never faltered. Dick lost his hard fought and courageous battle against cancer on September 17, 2010 passing away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends.

Dick is survived by his loving and devoted wife Carol, his children Beverly, Steven and Christine, sister Marie, niece Anne and nephews Patrick, Rodrick, brother Tom and wife Irene, brother in law Joe and a very large extended close knit family. Dick touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Cancer Society…….

Services Friday, October 08, 2010 – 2 p.m.

Coming Events for September and October

Mark Your Calendar:

• City Council Meetings:  September 13th and October 11th.
  

SEPTEMBER

• League of California Cities Annual Conference:  Wednesday, September 15  – Friday, September 17, San Diego Convention Center
  

• Planning Commission Meeting:  Wednesday, September 15th – 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers
  

• Bob Eagle Memorial Plaque Dedication:  Saturday, September 18th –        1:00 p.m., Eisenhower Park
  

• 13th-17th Street Neighborhood Follow-up Meeting:  Monday,          September 20th, 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers
  

• Mayors Consortium Meeting:  Wednesday, September 22nd, 1:30 p.m., JFTB – Office of Brigadier General Jones
  

• Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting:  Wednesday, September 22nd, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers
  

• SBTV3 Candidates’ Forum:  Thursday, September 23rd, 7:30 p.m. (live broadcast)
  

OCTOBER

• Founders Day Dinner Dance:  Saturday, October 2nd, 6:00 p.m., Old Ranch Country Club
  

• Founders Day Tennis Mixer:  Wednesday, October 6th, 6:30 p.m., Seal Beach Tennis Center
  

• Founders Day Golf Tournament & Dinner:  Thursday, October 7th, 1:00 p.m., Bixby Village Golf Course
  

• Founders Day Concert by the Pier (sponsored by the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce):  Saturday, October 9th, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
  

• Founders Day Main Street Sidewalk Sale:  Saturday, October 9th and Sunday, October 10th
  

• Founders Day Greenbelt Festival & Parade:  Sunday, October 10th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  

• Free Electronic-Waste Recycling Event:  Saturday, October 23rd, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., End of Adolfo Lopez Drive
  

• Seal Beach Historical Slide Show:  Wednesday, October 27th, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Marina Community Center
  

Jan Sledge, Executive Assistant to City Manager 562-431-2527 Ext 1303

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