“WHAT BERM ?” say local residents as surf and tides inundate Seal Beach

Homes along Seal Way were threatened by inundation of ocean water with Monday’s 5′ 8″ tide.  Local experts said that was not an exceptionally high tide and wonder what to expect when the really big tides come?

Alex and Pam Gates, (visible on the porch of the 2nd house on the right) visiting from Kansas City were shocked when they woke up Monday morning and saw a lake nearly 1/2 milelong that wasn’t there when they went to bed.  “We left a blizzard in K.C. and walked into a flood in Seal Beach.”  

Local residents expressed great concern over the extent of the flooding,  As seen in the photo above (photos by J Rootlieb)  the entire length of Seal Way had water up to the steps of the homes.

 

Automobiles in the parking lot on the east side of the pier were in water up to their axles.

Some were in deeper water than is shown here and they were concerned about salt water damage.

 

Look closely at the first photo.  You can see where the water came through the pier pilings. What were the engineers thinking when they built a berm 1/2 mile long but left it open at both ends.  Nothing was done to to block the water that consistently comes in from the ends of that line of sand?

Although the “flood” waters often come in at the jetty end and then run down the strand, in Monday’s situation it appears that the water came from both ends. 

In the last two years it has come in at the pier…the lowest spot on the beach and creates “Lake Seal Beach.”   A nice catch phrase for the larger papers and TV stations to use in their reports but  not something that warms the hearts of  those living on the lower floors of all the homes along the strand.

The damage to those homes…. runs in the many millions of dollars when the water breaches those necessarily low porches. They are necessarily low because building height restrictions mean that the lower floors cannot be high enough to protect the home from the inundation of sea….unless the residents are willing to remove their top floors?

The berm cost 60,000 or $70,000 annually (estimated cost) is wasted if the berm does not “isolate” the buildings from the tides. The seawater can, and has, run one to two feet deep throughtout the entire lower floor of those homes.   

One hopes this is not yet the result of global warming since its been going on for over 40 years…albeit lessened in recent years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seal Beach’s Olympian, Haley Ishimatsu, on Kaiser’s Float in Rose Parade

 Seal Beach resident Haley Ishimatsu will ride on the Kaiser Permanente float in the Rose Parade in Pasadena on Jan. 1.  (Courtesy of Kaiser Permanente)

Haley Ishimatsu has plenty of experience decorating floats for Pasadena’s annual Rose Parade, said her grandmother,  Cherry Ishimatsu.

“I’m actually really excited,” Ishimatsu said this week. “I’ve seen the parade several times from the sidelines, but I’ve never followed a float or been on one.”

Kaiser Permanente officials chose to feature Ishimatsu on the float alongside seven other young patients who are fighting various diseases and conditions.

“We’re looking for riders who demonstrate a real strength and commitment in dealing with their health issues,” Kaiser spokesman Calvin Naito said. “That shows they can overcome the adversity and still manage to do well in life.”

Ishimatsu has asthma, but she hasn’t let that stop her from succeeding in competitive diving. “Asthma for me isn’t really a factor because I’ve learned how to control it,” she said.

She competed in the Beijing Olympics last year and is already looking forward to London in 2012.

Toshi Kitahara, also grandmother of Haley  and Cherry said  “She’s more than good as far as a role model she’s excellent.

The grandmothers said they were unsure if they’d be able to attend the parade in person, but they planned to watch it with particular interest concentrating on one young woman.

Christmas Day Burglary in Seal Beach

A burglary was reported on Christmas Day, in the 600 block of  Pacific Coast Highway near Marina Drive in Seal Beach.

Christmas Day is just another day in the life of a crook.

There was no additional information at this time but Spotcrime.com does usually stay on top and expect more will follow.

Go to  <system@spotcrime.com> 

Advance in power wheel chairs announced in Seal Beach

A small family owned industry leader of power wheel chairs and scooters and other assistive mobility products, EasyMedOnLine, has announced a new technological advance to their line.

In mid 2010 EasyMedOnLine will offer the MobilityAlert ™ capability on select power wheel chairs and scooters.

Ryan C. Lawton, President of EasyMedOnLine, explained, “Our goal is to further improve the user functionality, capability and reliability of assistive mobility products that are so important to the millions of Americans depending on them.

The MobilityAlert™   option is a unique, low-cost, proven technological improvement combining RemoteDiagnostics ™  capability, MyHealth ™ capability and a ContactNow™  wireless point-of-contact capability designed to enhance and improve the operation, maintenance and reliability of power wheel chairs and scooters using secure, non-intrusive networking technology.” 

For more Info www.easymedonline.com 

LB man, 21, arrested in car theft and attacking 82 year old woman.

Andrew John Beal is under suspicion of  stealing a car in the morning of December 21 and later in the day of stealing the purse of an 82 year old Seal Beach resident and knocking her to the ground.

For the complete story go to the Orange County Register and read Jon Cassidy’s complete story go to Orange County Register   jcassidy@ocregister.com

Dogs Compete for Top Honors In Long Beach

The American Kennel Club® and Eukanuba announced today that nearly 4,000 dogs will compete for more than $225,000 in cash prizes at the Ninth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Dec. 12 and 13, 2009 in Long Beach, Calif. The two-day event is held in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational (entries of 457 and 109 respectively) making for a combined entry of almost 5,000 dogs competing in all events. 

 In celebration of AKC’s 125th anniversary, the show has adopted an open format for 2009 (it will return to invitation-only in 2010), which means any AKC registered purebred unaltered dog six months of age or older has an opportunity to compete for top dog honors.  

“With our partners, we’re thrilled to host one of the most well-respected dog shows in the world and to be able to commemorate the AKC’s anniversary with the open format at this year’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship,” said Jason Taylor, external relations manager, Procter & Gamble Pet Care. “Every year the road to best in show is full of suspense for owners, handlers and breeders and the open format allows for more surprises in the ring and opportunities for established champions and new contenders alike to make a run for the title of top dog.”

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is also host to the Eukanuba World Challenge, a unique event showcasing top canines from 41 countries all competing for prestigious international recognition. Rare breeds such as the Cesky Fousek, Thai Ridgeback and Bracco Italiano will compete against more traditional favorites such as the Doberman Pinscher, Poodle and Golden Retriever for the title of “World Challenge Champion” and a total of $15,000 in prize money. 

“We are proud to celebrate AKC’s 125th anniversary with this unique show,” said Ron Menaker, show chairman. “With nearly 5,000 entries in the conformation, agility and obedience competitions, it’s the largest AKC dog show in 2009, and will be a memorable event for both spectators and competitors.” 
HAPPENINGS AT THE AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

• Best in Show Competition – Because of this year’s open format, more dogs than ever will be competing for top dog honors including dogs who have never shown before and the country’s top show dogs from each of the 161 AKC recognized breeds. The owner of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner will receive more than $50,000, and the breeder/s of the Best in Show winner will be awarded $15,000.  

• AKC Agility Invitational – This year the invitational will be housed in 60,000 square foot pavilion adjacent to the Convention Center that is 39 feet tall and spans the length of a football field. Under the big top during the two-day show, the agility competition demonstrates the versatility and speed of canines as they race against the clock and overcome a challenging obstacle course of tunnels, weave poles, jumps and seesaws. It is a sport of physical skill, control, patience and most importantly, teamwork between handler and dog.

• AKC National Obedience Invitational – Obedience trials demonstrate how useful a dog is as a valued companion. Accuracy and precision are essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the dog also are important. 

• Eukanuba World Challenge – The international challenge will feature top dogs from 41 countries and six continents. Watch and cheer on Holly, the 2008 AENC Best in Show champion, as she represents the U.S. in this intense competition.

• Junior Handlers – Top-ranking preteen and teen handlers (ages 9-18), who have met high academic standards and qualification criteria based on year-round competition will compete for prestigious wins and scholarship money.

• AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) – Each year dogs are recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective communities. There are five categories the ACE Award recognizes: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service and Exemplary Companion.  These honorees and their owners will be on-hand in Long Beach to receive their awards and be recognized in front of the AENC audience. 

• AKC Meet the Breeds® – Showcasing more than 150 breeds, with dogs of all ages, AKC Meet the Breeds is designed to teach responsible dog ownership while providing an interactive and fun experience for show attendees. Debuting at the event are some of the newest breeds recognized by the AKC – the Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd.

• Dog Sensory Exhibit – The Eukanuba booth will feature a full-sensory exhibit where attendees can see, smell, hear and taste exactly as a dog does.
 
AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

• All 161 AKC registered breeds are entered to compete. 
• The largest entries include: 106 Golden Retrievers; 80 French Bulldogs; 66 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; 65 Australian Shepherds; and 63 Rottweilers.
• The newest breeds to compete include: 10 Irish Red & White Setters; 6 Norwegian Buhund and 15 Pyrenean Shepherds.
• By group, entry totals are: Sporting – 680; Hound – 554; Working – 676; Terrier – 505; Toy – 573; Non-Sporting – 481; Herding – 404 and Miscellaneous – 47.
• Dogs from 41 international countries will compete in the Eukanuba World Challenge including Australia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
• More than $225,000 in cash and prizes are offered by Eukanuba. In addition, another $10,000 has been offered by many of the 133 breed clubs that are hosting a specialty or supported entry in commemoration of the AKC’s 125th anniversary.
• The owner/s of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner will receive more than $50,000 while the breeder/s of the Best in Show winner is awarded $15,000. 
• More than 1,300 dogs are entered in the Bred-by-Exhibitor (the dog’s handler is both breeder and owner) competition, making up 32 percent of the entry who will be eligible to win the $15,000 cash prize. Same-day video coverage of the Bred-by-Exhibitor Groups will be provided on akc.org. 
• Nearly 300,000 square feet of event space will be utilized.
 
AGILITY AND OBEDIENCE INVITATIONALS BY THE NUMBERS

• Agility (held in a unique, 60,000 square foot, enclosed pavilion) – 457 total; 130 breeds from 41 states (plus Canada, Brazil and Japan). 

• Obedience – 109 total; 44 breeds from 31 states and Canada.

To purchase tickets, get more information about the show and sign up to receive updates on show results via our Facebook and Twitter pages, visit www.akc.org/aenc.

Cut Back the Cut Backs

Furlough days at the UC and CSU campuses may be fun and games for those students looking for a free pass to cut class, but there’s nothing fun about the tuition hikes and fee increases that come along with the higher education budget crisis.   For the 2009-10 year, the state reduced the CSU budget by $584 million, according to the California State University Long Beach President’s letter to campus community. Of the total $584 million, an approximate $42 million was cut from CSULB alone.

As a full-time student at Cal State Long Beach, I just paid $2,185 to enroll for my final semester as a senior, up over $300 from last semester. Although I’m paying more money, I’m attending less school, as professors have been required to cut back on their teaching days without pay.

This UC and CSU budget deficit has been all over the news. Protests have been taking place at campuses throughout California and many have been speaking out about the negative implications that all of this entails.   In addition to increased tuition, admissions have been cut, school fees have been increased, available classes have been reduced and faculty have been let go without the funding to keep them employed.

CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed announced in November that these budget cuts will produce a 40,000 reduction in student enrollment over the next three years.   “The state needs our graduates to enter the workforce and help the state’s economy recover,” said Reed. “But, when your budget is cut so drastically, we are left with little choice but to restrict our enrollment.”

Limiting admission of students willing and eager to earn a degree is an unfortunate event. Increasing the tuition of those already admitted, in some cases forcing them to leave school as a result of a lack of funding to pay for it, is unfortunate as well.   What’s most unfortunate, however, is that, according to Save The CSU, an organization developed to educate the public on California’s education budget deficit, between 2005 and 2025, “approximately 3 million college graduates will leave the work force.”

With the current budget crisis having such a negative effect on higher education enrollment, once all those employment opportunities begin to open up, what will happen when we find ourselves with not enough college graduates to fill them?  I understand that California’s budget crisis leaves this state in a bad situation. And I understand that reductions must be made as necessary to help California get back on its feet. What I don’t understand is why California’s future, those working to earn an education and make a difference in the world, are the ones forced to pay the price so drastically.

NFL for Week 14 – – getting close to Super Bowl

Home Teams – bold type and all caps.

Thursday

Pitt – – – – – CLEVE +10

Sunday

INDY Denver +7

MINN Cincy +6 ½

T Bay NY Jets NL (QB questionable)

K.C. Buffalo +1

GBay CHI +3

N. O. ATL +10

BALT Det +13

JAX Miami + 3

N.E. Carolina + 13 ½

HOU Seattle + 5 ½

TENN St. Louis +13

OAK Wash P

DAL S.D.    +3

NYG Phil +1

MONDAY

AZ SF +3

How about “12 Cats for Christmas?”

Well we’re down to only 12 cats and/or kittens left!

That’s right, the Seal Beach Animal Care Center…arguably the best animal care adoption facility in the country...set out to have 77 of their temporary visitors placed in new homes by the end of the year and there are only 12 left and some of those are the most lovable of all.

The Seal Beach center is a shelter that does not put its animals “to sleep”  so, in tough times like we’re in now, they get a lot of animals that have been abandoned.  

The center is offering all sorts of cut-rate prices and discounts to those who will adopt kitties with special needs. 

A “adopter” has to be cleared before you can take your dog or cat home but once you are cleared you will get a gift card from one of several local stores including Costco, Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Petco and more.  In most cases the gift card will equal the fees paid for the adoption.  There are many, many adoptions completed the same day.  (They know once you see these cuddly little guys you want them to go home with you.)

All the animals will have been spayed or neutered.  They’ll have been de-wormed and had a microchip installed saying they belong to you.  

For more information, visit www.sbacc.org.

 

NFL Odds for week 13 also best bet of week!

 

Best Bet is in bold type

Home teams are capitalized

Thursday in Toronto

N Y Jets      Buffalo +3

Sunday

Den              K C       +4 ¼

PITT             Oak + 14 ½

JAX              Hou    Pk

INDY           Tn + 6 ½

Philly           ATL  +5 ½

CINCY         Det  + 13

N O              WASH + 9 ½

CAR             T.B. + 5 ½

CHI             St. L  +9

S.D.            CLEVE + 13 ½

SEA             S. F   Pk

Min             AZ + 3

Dal              NYG + 2 ½

N. E.            MIAMI +4

Monday

GB                Balt +3