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.

“Goodbye Capt. Kurtz…Welcome to town, Jon!”

When the assignment to cover the retirement ceremony of the Base Commander at the Weapons Station dropped in my lap my first thought was, “just another retirement…. No big deal.”

I was told the Change of Command Ceremony was a “time honored tradition” particular to the Navy. No other branch of our services has such a ceremony. Nevertheless I was completely unprepared for the elegance of day.

Captain Jonathan Kurtz was retiring from his Command, after 27 years in the Navy, the  last few as  the Commanding Officer of the Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach. Technically he was being “relieved” by Captain Terry Auberry, and therein lies what makes such a rite particular to the Navy.

It originated with Royal Navy in the 16th Century and no one is sure how long the U. S. Navy has been doing it but most likely for 200 years. The men and women of the Navy Munitions Command, Continental U.S. West Division made sure that Captains Kurtz and Auberry received the full honors they were entitled to.

Over 250 guests and servicemen and women were present including two Rear Admirals (Hering and French) and a Major General. (USMC)  and I sat behind over 20 four-stripers (Captains) and saw more brass and medals than at a pentagon dinner.

Kurtz was graduated from Annapolis in 1982 and began his duties as an officer on destroyers and after becoming the Flag Lieutenant on the staff of the Group Commander he went back to Annapolis as an instructor. From there his career was blazoned with personal awards, Master’s Degrees and Service Medals and Commendation awards. While at Seal Beach he and his staff received several commendations for environmental improvements and substantial cost saving improvements in excess of $3 million dollars.

Rear Admiral Len Hering, a personal friend as well as a man Capt. Kurtz served under twice during his career, was the guest speaker and he joked that S.B. Weapons Station probably had more green grass than all the other bases under his command . . . . even though in 2008 the base had established a record reduction in water use!

Capt. Auberry who will be the new Base Commander and Auberry is “Mustang.” In military parlance a mustang in an enlisted man who becomes an officer and some of our greatest officers have been “Mustangs.” Auberry graduated from basic seaman training in 1974 and then spent 10 years in various Mine shops and vessels during which time he became a commissioned officer. His last assignment before coming to Seal Beach was as Chief of Staff, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command in Corpus Christi, TX.

I thought the high light of the ceremony was “Retirement of the Colors.” After Capt. Kurtz was presented with an honor and scroll from President Obama, an honor guard of commissioned men and women presented a flag that flew over the Capital in Washington D.C. to the Captain. The honor guard was made up of officers of different rank, but each one represented a rank that Kurtz had held during his career. An Ensign, a Lt. JG, a Lt, a Lt. Commander, and a Commander and, of course, he was the Captain. Many, including Admiral Hering felt that Kurtz could easily have had his own Star. (Admiral)

The ending was when Kurtz asked to be relieved of command (just as navy captains have for over 400 years) and Capt. Auberry said “I relieve you sir.” The plaintive cry of the boatswain’s whistle followed as Capt. Kurtz and his wife, daughter and parents were whistled into his new life.

The Kurtz family, originally from Delaware, intends to remain in Seal Beach much to the delight of their friends and neighbors. Welcome Home,  Jon Kurtz!

Palos Verdes Fire Visible From Long Beach and Seal Beach

The Ranchos Palos Verdes fire which broke out around 8pm last night could be seen from many areas of Long Beach.   The fire which resulted in mandatory evacuations of the Ranchos Palos Verdes area last night is now 35% contained has burned 2 homes and 35 acres.   As of this morning evacuation orders were being lifted and the fire was expected to be fully contained at some point today.  

The RPV fire is one of four fires currently burning in Southern California including the Station fire in the Angeles National Forest near La Canada Flintridge, the Morris  in the area of Morris Dam north of Azusa and Glendora and the Hemet fire.    Extreme heat and dry weather conditions (102 in Long Beach yesterday!) are contributing to the early start to fire season and the ongoing extreme fire danger throughout Southern California.

For more information on Southern California fires please visit the LA Times.

Tiger Woods $80 million House…… who would spend that much on a house?

A friend who knows how much I admire Tiger Woods recently sent me photos of his home in Isleworth, Florida near Orlando. See Photos at: http://officespam.chattablogs.com/archives/2006/06/pictures-of-tiger-woods-house.html

It is, quite naturally, an exceptionally beautiful home. An entry with a phenomenal staircase,  a living room with a custom 30 foot couch, 6 bathrooms, 5 marble bathrooms, 2 ½ baths AND 22 TVs! 

This  9,000 foot estate overlooks one quarter of a mile of  a crystal white sand beach and has a 90 foot infinity pool.  Its within walking distance of 3 world renowned golf courses.

The lighting system is so spectacular that if you were allowed to rent  it for a weekend you could create your own ambience.

Nevertheless, while I  would grant Tiger Woods anything he wants in life because he’s done so much good for those less fortunate and is generally a very class act among celebrities, I questioned if this was really Tiger’s camping grounds.  What do you think?  Go to:  http://www.snopes.com/photos/architecture/tigerwoods.asp

Does Seal Beach want to acquire Island Village as part of our city?

Sunset Beach has asked Seal Beach to include their area as part of  the city of Seal Beach and many citizens spoke against that move at council two weeks ago.

Now Island Village is also thinking about leaving Long Beach and joining Seal Beach.

This has happened before according to Jenny Pack the editor of “The Village Voice” a homeowner’s  association newsletter.  “Some say it’s a five year cycle.”

Seal Beach citizens didn’t sound too receptive to the Sunset Beach offer but Island Village may be a different story. The only question is why does Long Beach seem so welcome to give up 182 tax paying homes?
For the complete story go to: http://thedistrictweekly.com/2009/print/news/there-goes-the-neighborhood-2/

New jobs coming to Seal Beach – Hooray!

Seattle based Dendreon is planning on leasing 180.000 sf in Pacific  Gateway Business Park to produce their new prostate cancer drug PROVENGE ®.  The drug will be especially helpful for advanced prostate cancer.

The company expects to have the permits by the fourth quarter of this year and then the build out may take up to one year. Dendreon said once the drug is approved by the FDA it will begin manufacturing in its present facility in New Jersey and quickly open other  plants in three states…including Seal Beach, CA.

Also Marshall’s is opening a new store this fall at Shoppes in Rossmoor

CVS will have a mew pharmacy in a redeveloped 2 story building  at 3401 Katella.. CVS pharmacies need from 10 to 50 employees depending on how busy a store is.

Seal Beach based Clean Energy Fuels Corp., founded by T. Boone Pickens,  expects to hire 20 people in the next 12months at their headquarters at 3020 Old Ranch Parkway. 

For the complete coverage please go to: http//www.oc180news.com/article/West_Orange_County_Features/West_OC_Business/Jobs_and_Recent_West_Orange_County_Business_Developments/18567

Tonight is the night to Continue Height Limitations

By Mike Bulbe
This Monday night the City Council will hear a developer who wants to build over the height limit of 25 feet, the height limit established in Old Town in the last general election.  73% of the voters in Seal Beach said no more three story buildings with Measure Z!

Residents must come to the meeting on Monday, August 10, at 7 PM in the council chambers on Eighth Street. Tell the council you support the 25 foot height limit.

It is hard to believe that we are still facing the same battle, but we really are, and all over again.

On a second note there is a movement to annex Sunset Beach into Seal Beach. If Seal Beach incorporates Sunset Beach, there is potential to create additional costs to the city because Seal Beach may be required to supply police, fire, lifeguard, and other services.  The cost of additional employees could result in greatly increased pension costs to the city over the years, already an enormous obligation. Come to the council meeting and ask to see the plans for the annexation of Sunset Beach so we can all be informed before the council votes. The long term obligations could be far reaching, and could result in fewer services all over the city if we spread ourselves too thinly.  Let’s not rush into this before we have time to be informed of all the long range consequences.

A note of explanation: Sunset Beach is now county land starting from the old water tower on PCH, and runs south to Warner Avenue where the Jack In The  Box sits on the corner.  The county is forcing Sunset Beach to join a city, any city. Huntington Beach has a greater ability to absorb the costs because it is a much bigger city but Huntington Beach doesn’t want to absorb Sunset.  The county wants to be rid of the costs of administering Sunset Beach.  Do we in Seal Beach want the costs?

Come to the council meeting Monday night!  Tell the council “No more three story buildings in Old Town!”  Ask for more information on the annexation of Sunset Beach into Seal Beach, and ask to delay the annexation.

A few minutes with Bob Hope

To those of  our youngsters growing up and not knowing who Bob Hope was and what  our country meant to him I’d like to tell you a little. 

Although Hope was born in England he came to America and became a consummate Yankee.  Hope never wore his patriotism on his sleeve to get attention but his volunteer work for U.S. troops in harms way and his annual Christmas tours to dangerous war zones will never be forgotten by any who saw them. 

Bob had the ability to gather the most glamourous stars of the day to travel with him. Such as: Raquel Welch, Betty Grable, Ursula Andress,  Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, Joe Di Maggio, Joe Namath, Jack Jones, and Don Rickles. 

Bob had very definite political opinions but he never expressed them during these tours. He attacked Democrats and Republicans equally with his wit…because, after all,  half of  his audience belonged to each party. 

To experience some of his humor here’s a little video from You Tube that we know you will enjoy.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBr9cm9EWJQ

Brad Pitt Speaks Out in Support of Gay Marriage

Promoting his new movie, ‘Inglorious Bastards’, Bratt Pritt opened up to Parade magazine about his feelings on love, the right to marry and how he would feel if one of his children were gay.

Some have criticized Pitt and Jolie for not setting a better example for their children by getting married.  Pitt’s was not shy about sharing his feelings about marriage equality or the right for people to live their lives the way they wish to live them.

He’s found a “soul mate” in Jolie, Pitt said, but he insisted he meant what he has said in the past about not marrying her.

“When someone asked me why Angie and I don’t get married, I replied, ‘Maybe we’ll get married when it’s legal for everyone else,’ ” he said. “I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it, hate mail from religious groups. I believe everyone should have the same rights.”

Pitt told Parade he takes exception to anyone trying to dictate how someone should live and who they should love.

“Just the other night, I heard this TV reverend say that Angie and I were setting a bad example because we were living out of wedlock, and people should not be duped by us,” Pitt told the magazine. “It made me laugh.

“What damn right does anyone have to tell someone else how to live if they’re not hurting anyone? How many times do you think real love comes to someone in a lifetime? If you’re lucky, maybe two or three.”

People should be able to be happy, Pitt said, and that includes his children.

“Would it bother me if a child of mine turns out to be gay? No, not one bit,” he said. “Listen, I want my kids to live the lives they want to live. I want them to be fulfilled. I hope I teach my kids to be who they really are.”

To read the full article in Parade Magazine click here.

Orange County Fairgrounds Up for Sale?

Just as many are enjoying the last few days of the Orange County Fair, news has surfaced of a potential sale of the OC Fairgrounds due to the California Budget crisis.   A group has started a Save the OC Fair petition to try and stop the sale of the fairgrounds to an OC investor group.  The petition website states the following:

Due to the current budget crisis in the state of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed the idea of selling off a number of “under-utilized” fairgrounds, arenas, and parks owned by the state to generate immediate revenue.

While this plan has been under consideration for quite some time, a resolution signed by the Fair Board, during a secretive and impromptu meeting with inadequate notice to the public on July 15th , actually put the plan in motion by offering their support in selling the fairgrounds to a non-profit entity.

Ironically however, less than one week after the resolution was signed, a non-profit organization, “The Orange County Fair and Events Center Foundation”, was announced – Formed by members of the Fair Board themselves! These being the same members who fell under scrutiny last year for taking advantage of their positions by using up hundreds of concert tickets, partaking in extravagent lobster dinners behind the scenes of the fair, and so on.

The shady and left-handed tactics used in signing the resolution to sell the Fairgrounds, as well as establishing the non-profit company to subsequently purchase the land has, by design, kept the neighboring home owners, citizens of Orange County and the Business Owners who utilize the O.C. Fairgrounds in the dark regarding the plan – Until JUST NOW!!

Other sites considered for sale, where adequate notice was given, were able to stop the proceedings by gaining a large amount of local support and providing a substantial amount of proof that the site is not “under-utilized”.

The closed-door plan to sell the O.C. Fairgrounds has caught many un-suspecting residents of Orange County by surprise. Working with extremely limited time, we wish to stop the sale of the fairgrounds based on the heritage it brings to Orange County, the programs it houses to benefit our children, and the many small businesses that count on it for their survival. Following such a deceptive start, if the venue is sold there is no guarantee of what may take its place and/or how it will be run.

To sign the online petition click here.

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