Researchers Open Shark-Tagging Trip to the Public

Non-profit organization Iemanya Oceanica today announced that they are organizing a shark-tagging research expedition to Baja California in October 2009. The organization is actively seeking up to 20 scuba divers/snorkelers from the Southern California community as a means to educating consumers to the challenging processes of today’s ocean preservation efforts.

Departing the L.A. Area on October 15, 2009, Iemanya (pronounced ya-MAHN-ja, a Brazilian goddess of the sea), partnering with the CICESE Research Institute in Baja and Dr. Rachel T. Graham, world renowned shark scientist, will travel to a known population of whale sharks in Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja California. Their goal is to apply satellite tags to 2-3 whale sharks during this 5 day expedition.

Iemanya executive director Laleh Mohajerani explained that “there are 3 reasons why we are gathering data on these animals. The first being to track their feeding, breeding and calving habits. The second reason,” Mohajerani continued, “will enable us to add them to the ‘family’ of sharks that we feature on our AdoptAShark.com website to expand consumer knowledge about sharks, and lastly,” she concluded, “these efforts play into a global effort to increase public awareness of the urgent need for protecting our oceans through selecting sustainable seafood in their diets.”

Whale sharks are the largest living fish species on the planet. They can grow to up to 40 feet long and weigh up to 15 tons. They can live up to 70 years, and although they have very large mouths, they are harmless, feeding solely on plankton, which are microscopic marine plants and animals.

This expedition will be filmed by professionals from Dokument Films in Los Angeles, utilizing their experience at increasing public awareness of non-profits through the use of professional productions for educational purposes.

Sponsored by Redondo Beach-based Body Glove International, National Scholastic Surfing Association champion Holly Beck will be joining the team to learn more about preserving the oceans in which she spends most of her time.

Additional details and application forms for this expedition can be found by visiting www.Iemanya.Org.

Kite Festival in Seal Beach October 4th

The Japan America Society of Southern California (JASSC), in coordination with the Up Up & Away Kite Club, announce Southern California’s largest kiting event, the Japan America Kite Festival , will take place on the beach at the Seal Beach Pier in Seal Beach, Calif., on Oct. 4, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is free to the public and attracts some 10,000 visitors each year.

Japanese Kite Master Mikio Toki will visit from his home and kite workshop in Chiba, Japan, to display and fly his traditional edo-dako (traditional Tokyo-style kites constructed with washi rice paper and bamboo). Toki also will conduct free children’s Japanese kite workshops where every child can build and fly a sode (kimono-shaped) kite.

In addition to Japanese kites, the festival will feature more than 1,000 kites of all sizes, including Susan and David Gomberg’s giant 300-400 square-foot “Show Kites.” The Gombergs perform at 20-30 events each year and have participated in festivals in 35 states and 25 countries, including providing kite shows for Disney, the London Millennium Celebration, and the Super Bowl. There also will be performance stunt and sports kite demonstrations, synchronized kite “ballet,” as well children’s activities, including kite candy drops and other fun kids games.

Japanese cultural activities at the Festival will include sushi provided by Toro Sushi, the official sushi vendor for Angels Stadium; Edo Ame-zaiku (Traditional Japanese candy art); and cultural demonstrations such as Taiko Drum performance and Naginata (long handled, wood sword fighting).

Held annually at the Seal Beach Pier since 1996, the Japan America Kite Festival is free to the public, thanks to generous support from the Festival’s presenting sponsor, Mattel, Inc., and sponsor, Hitachi, Ltd. Other sponsors include Ayres Hotel, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Bogart’s Coffee House, Bridge USA, Kinokuniya Bookstore, Toro Sushi Bar & Grill, Yakult USA, Inc. and Up Up & Away Kite shop in Seal Beach.

About Japan America Society of Southern California

Founded in 1909 to build economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between the people of Japan and America. It is the West Coast’s premier educational and public affairs forum dedicated to the United States-Japan relationship. JASSC is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable education organization and is supported by 120 Japanese and American corporate members and 2,000 individual members.

Seal Beach Wag N Walk

Saturday, September 26th is the annual Wag ‘n’ Walk at the Seal Beach Pier. The walk which will benefit the Seal Beach Animal Shelter is great opportunity for you and your pet to get out there and help other animals at the same time! Grand Marshals Justin Rudd (HauteDogs.org) and his bulldog Rosie will lead the parade starting at 10:00 am at the Eisenhower Park across from the Seal beach Pier.  Events included a dog walk, raffles, a SBACC Adoptable Dog Show, a training demonstration and contests for dogs and their people. 

Individual and Team registrations are now available online! Please click here to register online or you can print and fax a registration form found at the SBACC website. The Seal Beach Animal Shelter is also selling tickets for their Super Opportunity Drawing for which you do not need to be present to win.

To find out more information about the event or to register visit the event website here.

One Million Dollar Reward Offered for Stolen Warhol Paintings

A series of Warhol Paintings were stolen last week from the LA home of noted art collector  and business man Richard L. Weisman.   The series of 12 pieces had been commissioned by Weisman himself in the 70’s.   He asked Warhol who was a friend, to create a series of silkscreens featuring various sports figures including Mohammed Ali, OJ Simpson, Dorothy Hamill, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Chris Evert.

The value of the collection has not been released however a $1-million reward has been offered by an anonymous source for information leading to the recovery of the paintings.  Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles Police department.

To read the full article visit the LA Times.

Walkers Will Trek 39 Miles in Long Beach this Weekend for Breast Cancer

The Two Day Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will begin opening ceremonies at the Queen Mary on Saturday September 12th, 2009 at 6:30am.  Participants will walk for two days and 39 miles in and around Long Beach.  Saturday the participants will walk a total of 26.2 miles and 13.1 miles on Sunday. 

Throughout the route there will be cheering stations for family an friends to support the walkers.  For a detailed list of locations and peek viewing times please click here.  Come out and support these amazing walkers who have raised thousands of dollars for this great cause and trained for months to complete the 39 mile route.  The walkers will be winding themselves throughout the Long Beach and Seal Beach areas.  

This is an amazing event and it is a priviledge to have it held in Long Beach.  Thank you Avon, The Crew and the Volunteers that make this event possible.  And thank you, to all the Walkers.  Thank you for every step.

Closing Ceremonise will be at the Queen Mary on Sunday September 13th, 2009 at 3:00pm. Come out and show your support and for a possible Patrick Dempsey sighting.  He is scheduled to appear at this weekends event.  

For more information about this event or about making a donation please click here.

The Day Senator Edward Kennedy Renewed My Faith in Politics

The world is still mourning the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy, “The Lion of the Senate”. He will forever be remembered for his relentless pursuit of economic and social justice for all Americans. His ability to see the issues of the day from a historical view rather than the popular view of the time made him revolutionary.

I was fortunate enough to be able to witness this extraordinary man speak on the Senate Floor in the spring of 2003. It was my first trip to Washington D.C. and as a lover of history, every structure and every street held significance to me. I soaked in the city as much as I could. And yes, I did the touristy things. I visited the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum. I fell in love with the Smithsonian, stared at the Wright Brothers Flyer, laughed at Archie Bunkers chair and marveled at how tiny Dorothy’s ruby red slippers really are. But of all the spectacular sites, exhibits and structures I was able to gaze upon, none compared to the unexpected gift I received as I sat in the visitors’ gallery of the United States Senate Chamber of the 108th Congress.

I sat nervously at first, careful to remember and adhere to all the rules given prior to entering the visitors’ gallery. Do not stand, applaud take notes, read or take photographs. No leaning on the railing or placing hands on railing. I could see the entire senate floor from my perch above the Chambers. I saw him immediately. His white hair and smile drew my eyes directly to him. He sat talking to a colleague, looking comfortable and relaxed. Then it came time for him to speak. The smile faded in to a grin and his eyes scanned the room and he began.

I was witnessing Senator Edward Kennedy from Massachusetts speak on the Senate Floor of the 108th Congress. He spoke with passion and common sense. On that day, in honor of Cesar Chavez Day, he spoke of his fight, an ongoing one, to raise the minimum wage. I was mesmerized. He was an eloquent speaker with a booming voice that captured you with the first word. He spoke of the working poor and how many families work 40 hours a week but still fall below the poverty level. He talked about college students and their struggles with employment and the minimum wage.

In the time Senator Kennedy spoke, my faith in the political process was renewed. I had previously believed that nobody cared or related to the problems of the average person. But there I was, listening to the passion and genuine concern from a politician. There was only a dozen or so people on the senate floor but he spoke as if there were a thousand. As I sat and took in my moment of history, I thought of my college years and how I complained about my low paying part time jobs and struggled to pay for school. I know now that during that time, a thousand miles away, an Irishman from Massachusetts was and had been fighting for me. The world has lost a treasure and I hope his spirit will live on in the hearts of all Americans.

“If his life and death had a meaning, it was that we should not hate but love one another; we should use our powers not to create conditions of oppression that lead to violence, but conditions of freedom that lead to peace. ” Senator Edward Kennedy, four months after the passing of his brother President John F. Kennedy.

Jet Blue Now Offering Discount Fall Faires for Limited Time

Jet Blue announced deep discounts on fall flights from Long Beach Airport.  The “But Wait There’s More” promotion applys mainly to fall and early winter flights. Travel must take place between Sept. 8 and Dec. 16.   According to the Press Telegram August 5th is the deadline to book your ticket. 

The following rates are one-way from Long Beach Airport:

Austin, Texas: $99

Boston: $139

Chicago: $109

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: $119

Las Vegas: $44

New York (JFK): $134

Oakland: $39

Portland, Ore.: $84

Sacramento: $45

Salt Lake City: $55

San Francisco: $39

San Jose: $29

Seattle: $79

Washington, D.C. (Dulles): $129

To book your flight visit JetBlue.com.

Astronomical High Tide Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf and high tide warning for South facing beaches this weekend including Long Beach.  While Long Beach won’t suffer from high surf thanks to the Breakwater there is a chance of coastal flooding along the Long Beach pennisula. 

Issued by The National Weather Service
Los Angeles, CA
4:45 am PDT, Wed., Jul. 22, 2009

BREAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO EVENING ACROSS SOUTH FACING BEACHES… WITH THE HIGHEST SURF CONDITIONS EXPECTED FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. DURING THE PEAK OF THE EVENT… BREAKERS OF 4 TO 7 FEET CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS SOUTH FACING BEACHES… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER SETS IN FAVORED LOCATIONS. RIP CURRENT POTENTIAL WILL BE HIGH DURING THIS SOUTH SWELL EVENT.

IN ADDITION TO THE HIGH SURF… THERE WILL BE ASTRONOMICAL HIGH TIDES EACH AFTERNOON AND NIGHT FROM THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. A 6.6 FOOT HIGH TIDE CAN BE EXPECTED AT LOS ANGELES HARBOR AT 1050 PM ON THURSDAY… COINCIDING WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE LONG PERIOD SOUTH SWELL. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON… A 5.0 FOOT HIGH TIDE IS EXPECTED AT 1210 PM. HEIGHTS OF THE HIGH TIDE WILL GRADUALLY DECREASE THROUGH THE WEEKEND… BUT WILL REMAIN IN THE 5 TO 6 FOOT RANGE. THE COMBINATION OF HIGH SURF AND ASTRONOMICAL HIGH TIDES COULD CAUSE SOME LOCALIZED COASTAL FLOODING ALONG LOW LYING BEACHES OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES… SUCH AS THE LONG BEACH PENINSULA… AND PORTIONS OF MALIBU AND OXNARD SHORES.

More Information

… HIGHER THAN NORMAL SURF EXPECTED THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY ACROSS SOUTH FACING BEACHES…

A LONG PERIOD SOUTH-SOUTHWEST SWELL ORIGINATING FROM THE CENTRAL SOUTH PACIFIC WILL BEGIN TO ARRIVE ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON… BUILD THURSDAY NIGHT… THEN PEAK FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY. INITIALLY… SOME LONG PERIOD SWELL OF AROUND 20 SECONDS IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING… THEN WAVE PERIODS WILL GENERALLY BE IN THE 15 TO 18 SECOND RANGE BY FRIDAY.

OC Fair Season Passes & Other Discounts

Now that summer is here and school is out (or almost out) for most it’s time to start planning your summer activity calendar! The Orange County Register just featured a story about the upcoming OC Fair.   For the first time this year the OC Fair is offering season passes to visitors who like to go multiple times over the 5 week period.  The pass, which is valid from opening day on July 10 to closing day on Aug. 9, will also allow for separate lines at fair gates, 10 percent off of reserved seating at the Action Sports Arena and two-for-one ticket purchases at certain Pacific Amphitheatre concerts.   Prices for the passes start at $15 for kids and $25 for adults which seems like a great deal! 

The entertainment line up this year is looking great!  The line up includes Kelly Clarkson, The Black Eyed Peas, Alan Jackson, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, Anita Baker, Blondie & Pat Benetar, the B52’s, Hewey Lewis and the News, the Steve Miller Band, Whitesnake, Three Dog Night, Smokey Robinson and more!

For more information visit the OC Fair website.

Seal Beach Chapter of Business Kick Off Event

The Seal Beach Chapter of Business Networking International is having its Chapter Kickoff Event on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:15 a.m. at the Sea Port Marina Hotel, 6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. This is a great opportunity for the public to come and learn more about how BNI can help small businesses to grow through word of mouth referrals. The event will include a continental breakfast for visitors and ample opportunity to network with other business-minded individuals in the community. The breakfast is free but donations are welcome. For more information, contact Nat Ferguson at 562-761-7165 or check out

 

 

www.socalbni.com

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