Car Show is on RIGHT NOW!

It is 8 a.m. and the Seal Beach car show is in progress! Where are you?

This year you can go to the pier and get a fine breakfast of  pancakes and bratwurst by the Seal Beach Lions.

More cars than ever this year and we’ll have photos up on our site in a few hours.

Call your pals and tell them to get their kids and get down there.

A  FREE Big Red Bus Shuttle with parking at Alamitos Bay Landing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Don’t miss Kim Masoner’s “Creative Reuse Class” at 1st and Ocean.  Kim is the creator of  “Save Our Beach” and one of the hardest working women in a town filled with hard working women!

The Bay City Settlement is a Major Problem for the City of Seal Beach!

(Ed. Note: An earlier draft on April 29 attributed some comments to Marc Loopesko. Those were made by Bruce Stark.)

The “Settlement” agreement that was distributed last week by some concerned Seal Beach citizens was, to most who viewed it, a frightening document to review.

As understood by most who got copies….it was accepted as a ‘fait acompli’.  It appeared as if our city council had literally signed an agreement behind closed doors that benefitted a private entity with a windfall profit on the DWP property that could enrich the Partners in excess of $30 million dollars while indebting the city dramatically!

At Monday night’s City Council meeting enraged citizens were  there in substantial numbers.  When the council meeting was opened to comments – limited to 5 minutes per speaker – they spoke with a passion that would  have made Patrick Henry proud… and the Council sat silently without comment.  The silence seemed like disdain at first and then the City Attorney said that the Brown Act restricted the Council Members  from commenting on something that was not on the printed Agenda for the evening.

It probably is not fair to say that the council seemed ambivalent to the comments, nevertheless for those speaking from their hearts,  to be the object of complete silence to their complaints…. one of which was that this “Deal” had been done behind closed doors … it must have seemed like they were in the City of Bell.

Hopefully that is not the case.  Mayor Levitt did speak briefly to answer one of the speakers and said…’There has been no agreement.  Nothing has been agreed to.  Nothing has been signed off.“  The clear indication seemed to be that it has yet to be addressed in public.  We certainly hope so but we are  still left with a copy the last page that says

” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and Bay City cause theagreement to be executed.

Dated: 3-16-2011. . .  signed  Michael Levitt, Mayor of City of Seal Beach.”

The Limited Liability Corporation, Bay City Partners includes three Seal Beach locals: Brian Kyle, owner of O’Malley’s Restaurant on Main Street, Bob Griffith who used to own the Rexall Drugstore before he became one of the largest landlords in Seal Beach and now lives in a majestic “castle-like” home on the Gold Coast. Griffith also owns of Griffith Enterprises on Main Street, where you can peek in the  window and see a couple of cars….but Griffith doesn’t sell anything there and doesn’t encourage visitors.  The last of the Seal Beach partners is Rocky Gentner, who sells boats on the north end of the property that could be turned into more home-sites.  Gentner and Griffith are two of the largest owners of the LLC with  25% each.  Kyle is a close third with 15%.   It’s doubtful that those opposed to the project can affectively diminish the influence of Gentner or Griffith. Griffith usually provides a big red Cadillac to drive Santa around in the Christmas parade and everybody loves Santa.

Carla Watson was the first speaker of the night.  A 47 year resident of Seal Beach , Carla was one of group who lobbied the Coastal Commission to place the DWP property on the priority list because 1) It was one of the last remaining scenic bluffs along the ocean, 2) A bicycle path feeds into this property, and 3) the land was in the public domain.  Since that time a consensus was reached on restrictions on the property and she said that when Bay City purchased the property they knew the plan and constraints on the property.  In a most eloquent speech she defended the original position of the previous City Councils and the consensus.

Bruce Stark , another of the opponents also spoke and described the plastic cover that’s been around the fence for over a year –  that was put up by the LLC –  as “ a punishment inflicted on the neighborhood.”  He said there was no other reason for it to be there.  It served no purpose. The neighbors used to enjoy looking across at harbor and the jetty…as did the rest of the city and the tourists but Bay City Partners decided to obstruct the view.  (Perhaps – with pending litigation they didn’t want the voters to see what a prize jewel it was for the planned city park?)

Bruce later announced that the DWP is on the Council Agenda for Monday, June 13.  We encourage all to show up at that meeting.

Robert Goldberg in an email sent to opponents of the plan warned that they should keep in mind that the ‘agreement’ clearly draws “the line” at a location inconsistent with the DWP Specific Plan.  That plan states that all development shall be north of  the north-side of an imaginary westerly projection of Central Way.  Therefore, the Plan would have allowed Central Way to be continued straight onto the property to provide both an access road and a southern boundary of the developed area. Instead, the signed agreement allows 13 homes to be built on top of the imaginary westerly projection  of Central Way. (Ed.Note – This could be a crucial mistake!)

Goldberg and Loopesko both also attacked the split that was always supposed to be  70%/30% with 30% being for homes and 70% for open space and for park area.  Now it is closer to 50%/50%.

Jim Caviola, a resident and a lawyer, said “This is a rip off. These guys are going to get $900,000 for a lease to service our sewer system and to continue to give access to the beach parking lot!  They may make as much as $40 million dollars and we’re giving still going to pay them $2 million?”

Chi Kredell, a leading SB  citizen for more than 50 years speaking to the entire Council said, “This is a stab in the heart to us. How could you do this to us?”

Former Mayor Charles Antos said he sat in on the negotiations before he retired earlier this year and that it was a ‘terrible deal’ for the city to make. Antos emphasized that he had nothing to do with the agreement.

One of the current council members told me  “Appearances can be deceiving. This agreement came about for many reasons, the main one was to save the city money.  The city has had exorbitant legal expenses brought about by Bay City Partners. We where in danger of losing the two million dollar grant from San Gabriel Conservancy to upgrade the first street Parking area; we were virtually squeezed by Bay City Partners.  If we had lost the eminent domaine suite on the roadway we could have been put in a huge financial loss. The city council was never happy with this agreement but it was the best deal we could get out of very greedy landowners who were willing to use legal costs to put the city in a bind.” ( Ed Note: Unfortunately, we were told,  the Brown Act would not let them discuss this with the citizens because the LLC and the City were in Litigation.)

Council Member Ellery Deaton, who got on the Council just before the agreement in question was decided (?) said yes… they did agree to $900,000 for a sewer easement.  But more importantly that
stopped litigation so the project could get out of closed session under the cloak of secrecy and be vetted by the public.  No zoning change was given and everything in the settlement agreement except for the sewer easement purchase is now open for public debate.  Deaton went on to say that was her main reason for voting to stop the litigation–to get the discussion out in the open.  There is always room for different opinions, but the opinions need to be aired publicly.

Needless to say there are conflicting comments by the Council members and that may have been caused by the ‘heat of the moment.’

What’s Up in Seal Beach remembers Pres.Reagan’s comment “Trust ….but verify!”  For Seal Beach that will be on June 13th!

Whoops…. Seems like something happened “on the way to the church” with Bay City/Seal Beach deal?

We were a little  premature in our congratulations to the City and the partners (owners) on the settlement of the DWP land adjoining First street.

We forgot the old adage”…if it sounds too good to be true….It probably is!”

When we heard this ever festering civic problem was finally solved…it was a little disappointing that the city had given in to the demands of Bay City Partners, but  understood that sometimes its best to bite the bullet when you are in litigation and settle.  Especially in times like these when the city is ill equipped for lengthy litigation with some well heeled millionaires.

It was disappointing because we believed that Bay City had known what the parameters surrounding the future development of the project would be when they bought it “way back when?” and assumed that would work to the benefit of Seal Beach.

It was also disappointing to find out that instead of being a 70/30 division; 70% open space and 30% housing is was going to be 60/40.

Well folks…it looks like its going to be a lot worse than that….. if it ever gets done.

Last week we saw the ‘Settlement Papers’ and here’s what the settlement shows:

1-Instead of a small boutique hotel on 30% of the land…we’re going to get large homes on 50% of the land. That’s right …not the 70% / 30% we were promised by 50%!

2-We’re going to pay Bay City a NON-REFUNDABLE $900,000 . . .whether or not the project is approved by the City OR THE COASTAL COMMISSION!  That $900,000 is to be considered a four year lease for the Driveway Parcel and Bike Trail at 1^st and Ocean.

3-The City staff “shall use each of his or her best efforts to secure consideration of the proposed project”  (No public input. No Rezoning input!) Further the staff should recommend ‘IN GOOD FAITH ..”  that they approved the plan.  (At least that’s how we read it.  However you can get a copy and read it for yourselves and tell us if we’re wrong.) Our staff HAS to testify that they are happy with the deal!

4-Additionally the city agreed that Bay City Partners would not have to pay any Park Fees, any Park Improvement Obligations or furnish an Affordable Housing requirements (either in lieu fees or on-site improvements.  They pay none of these fees.  Who does?  (One would guess we, the citizens do.)

5-It gets better …or worse depending on your viewpoint.  The City agreed to reduce our overhead charges on the  project from 17.5% to 8%. We would also waive Transportation Facilities Fees . That  means they could be getting  a 50% reduction in normal charges.

6-And the council agreed to testify for them…..before the Coastal Commission!   We don’t even know if the agreement is legal and our City Council is  promising to testify on behalf of the project!

7-The city agreed to pay $1,100,000 for a piece of the land….and that’s AFTER the land was changed from a 70/30 split to a 50/50 split.

8-THINK THAT’S ALL –no it isn’t. The city agreed that Bay City can take a “Donation Tax Credit” of $2,000,000. (That won’t make the tax man very happy!)

9-The city agreed to give them 7,000 feet of city owned property that will mean another four lots for Bay City Partners.  Since they are planning on a sales price of $900,000 per lot that almost another $4million.

We hear all the time about the consuming  greed of some rich Americans ….. usually its pro-athletes or movie stars.  Well it looks like Seal Beach has some of its own.

So what can we do now?

Well, I’m not a lawyer but it seems like the whole deal is now in the hands of the Coastal Commission. (Except my guess is we’ve lost the $900,000.  We’re probably stuck to pay that off.)

Tonight, Monday, go to the council meeting at 7 p.m.  Tell the City Council what you think.  Tell them what you want them to do.   If they don’t do it….then you’ll have to wait until the next election BUT and this is an important “BUT”..we can still go to the Coastal Commission and fight this miscarriage of what those Council members and City employees gave away.

Remember good old Thomas Jefferson. He did his best to make sure that the country was always going to be in the hands of the people.  He felt if it was – it would always be around; and if it wasn’t then – it wouldn’t.

So what we’re asking the citizens of Seal Beach what do you want to do?

Let us know if you want to fight….or lay down!  We’ve got your back!

Email <whatsupinsealbeach.com> Write to: WUSB, Box 90279, Long Beach,CA 90809

Save the Beach AND the Laker Girls!

If you’re looking for something fun to do today – noon to 5 p.m. (on Good Friday)  come join us at the Earth Day Fair by ESPN & LA Live !

It’s free and going to be a ton of fun including live performances by “Coco Jones” as well as “Jacob Latimore” at Nokia Plaza in LA with the following booths showing off their goods:

Laker Girls Silent Auction
ESPN Collection Area
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach Depot for Creative ReUse
Green Youth Movement
Waste Management
Coalition For Clean Air
City of LA Sanitation
LA Conservation Corps
Seafood of the Future
LA Galaxy
Inner City Arts
Habitat for Humanity
Santa Monica Bay Keeper
Tree People
Bike Nation
People for the Parks

Heal The Bay

Inside the Outdoors
Save the Beach

And  Save Our Beach will be there with our brand new gorgeous dispay and Kim will be demonstrating how she’s crocheting grocery bags into bedrolls for the homeless and it won’t hurt that we’ll be right next to the Laker Girls (don’t know how we managed that but we love it!)

See you there, I hope – Kim Masoner
Save Our Beach –  www.saveourbeach,org

Would YOU take 2 laps in the Grand Prix – Free

Kyle Mohan takes Bill Lovelace on a 2 lap screamer in the Grand Prix Pace car.

Quite a ride….even a dedicated member of the Long Beach Police Association get a little shivver when he flying into those 180 degrees turns at speed.

This is a great video…especially when you realize the guy holding the camera is also holding his breakfast in!

Bill tried to get in Danica Patrick’s car….but that didn’t work out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__2N-Voz1oM

Ken Applegate was 80 years old yesterday…. Wow!

Ken, of course, waas once a famous guy in his own right.  Now he is known as Libby Applegate ‘s husband.   Libby is one of the origninators of Seal Beach Founder’s Day  celebration last year.  Go to  http://sbfoundersday.wordpress.com/author/sbfoundersday/ or http://sbfoundersday.wordpress.com/

I remember when I first met Kenny.  In the late 50’s. I bought my first MG TC from his pal Don McNab.  I dropped Don off at a local Naples watering hole called “The Sail Inn.” (Now known as the Naples Rib Company- where Libby and Ken went for his Birthday Dinner last night.)

They returned home to find 20 friends waiting for them.  A little surprise for Mr. Applegate.

Ken had a summer job behind the bar. I was so happy with that TC …. And knew next to nothing about MG’s.  Ken looked at McNab and said,  “So you finally found someone to take it off your hands..”   He looked at me and said “Here you go pal,  I’ll give you a beer so it won’t be a total loss!”

Ken was my introduction to what turned out to be a wonderful group of guys in Belmont Shore and Seal Beach.  Mike Murray, Bob ‘Ole’ Olson, Ken Able, Russ Jordan, Chi Kredell, Joe Riddick,  Del Smith, Steeve Tucker , Mickey Munoz and , of course, his brother Robin.

Ken was a great beach volleyball player.  Russ Jordan would set and Applegate would disprove the old adage that ‘white men can’t jump.’  He was a gazelle.  Also a pretty good ping-pong player.  He and Able both beat me playing with a pie tin….and I had a paddle.

Now he’s entered the beginning of the Golden Years…the 80’s along with his buddies, Able and Ole. Ole still surfs the reef in Maui EVERY DAY and Able can still beat me in ping pong with a pie tin!

Is this a great life  we live in Seal Beach or what?

Happy Birthday Kenny!

A secret spot before the Long Beach Grand Prix

Every year the Long Beach Grand Prix for 3 days draws hundreds of thousands of people..but not too many stop by the Loew’s parking lot on Bellflower Blvd.

Some are totally into “Open Wheel Racing”; some are just here to participate in the pageant that is part of every open wheel race in the world  and some just to see Danica Patrick win again. (She’s the only woman to ever win an open wheel contest)  Rumors are this will be her last open wheel race.  After Sunday she may spend all her time on the NASCAR circuit after this weekend.

However for the  past several years there has been a sort of secret meeting place for those very special group of drivers who can afford to drive  those beautiful pieces of art known as Lamborghini’s.

Its not a car show, per se, but what else can you call it when 40 or 50 owners of 1/2 million dollar vehicles meet in  a quiet out of the way mall parking lot for a few hour before one of the most exciting auto race days in the U.S.

And you can trust me on this….when you look over these autos, all in pristine condition you would most likely not trade any one of them for one of those open wheel racers.

They gather at the parking lot on Bellflower Blvd in Long Beach, just north of the 405 freeway.  They start getting there about 9 a.m.   There is no charge because they don’t consider it a show…they are just meeting fellow Lamborghini owners from all over the continent who have driven here to see their brethern.

I don’t know for sure they’ll be there again this year.  They don’t invite me but I’ve been attending for the last three years and I encourage you to drop by also.

Don’t worry…you’ll see the cars off by  themselves near the Lowe’s Hardware store. One doesn’t park a car like this in an 8 foot parking space.

Who knows Mark Sanchez (Jets QB) may show up again?

The 2011 Yacht Race to Ensenada is off and running

Dennis Connor,  formerly  the captain of the Stars and Stripes (America’s Cup winner)  is on that boat for the Ensendada race.  Also in with the big boats was Taxi Dancer…who won the race in 2010.

The starting breeze was not strong but it is expected to pick up later in the day.Entries have dropped from a high of over 650 but that’s to be expected with the criminal threats going on in Baja California.

The early boats should reach Ensenada…..and Hussong’s before midnight.

For  the complete story go to: http://www.ocregister.com/news/race-296576-ensenada-newport.html

Art Classes for All Ages and Skill Levels!

NEW FROM DANA KUKURUDA AT DEPT OF RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

ART STUDIO CLASSES FOR KIDS

“Art Studio Drawing – Painting” is for ages 6 – 12 years, and teaches the young ones the fundamental approach to art, develops drawing and sketching skills and the application of color using mixed media.  They will learn to enhance and express their creativity, imagination, and artistic confidence in a non-competitive atmosphere.  Class is 3:30 – 5:15PM.

“Open Art Studio” is geared for children ages 9 + years. This class is for young adults at all levels who would like to develop a solid foundation in basic drawing and painting skills as well as enhance their creative thinking.  Class is 5:15 – 6:30PM.

These classes are held on Thursdays, April 28^th – May 19^th and the session fee is $98.

Check out the classes online at www.sealbeachca.gov; under Parks and Recreation; Recreation guide or contact the Seal Beach Recreation and Community Services Office at (562) 431-2527 EXT. 1344, to sign up today!

Create Works of Art on Your Own!

Enhance your way of seeing and increase your own artistic style while acquiring the techniques of painting.  Understand spatial relationships, proportions, color value and light and shadow.  Work from photos or still life depending on your needs and interest.  A $30 material fee is payable to instructor at the first class.

Classes will be held at Marina Community Center, located at 151 Marina Drive, on Thursdays, April 28^th –  May 19^th for ages 18+.  The session fee is $98.

Check out the classes online at www.sealbeachca.gov; under Parks and Recreation; Recreation guide or contact the Seal Beach Recreation and Community Services Office at (562) 431-2527 EXT. 1344, to sign up today!

A “green plan” that sounds pretty good?

Here’s a plan that should satisfy both proponents and opponents of environmental causes.

In Kake, Alaska there’s a small town that has an unemployment rate of 80%.  The federal government had a plan to build 26 miles of road into the forest at a cost of $6 million and harvest 70 million board feet of old growth trees.  Because of the scope of the project it wasn’t expected to provide much employment for the 500 people trying  to eke out a living in the community.

In an unusual decision the Forest Service decided to have a meeting with the locals and find out what they thought should be done.

They said ‘give us less.’   One small road, less than 2 miles, into the forest will be enough for our small mills.  It will be enough work for our isolated community to survive and it will help our black tail deer flourish and  the reduced cutting will protect our watershed, etc.

The Forest Service smiled and more or less said, “you got a deal!”

For the entire story please go to the L A Times article at:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-tongass-logging

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