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February 28-March 13, 2017 Long Beach’s Newsmagazine www.lbbizjournal.com

Inside This Issue Medical Pioneer Dr. Rodney White Pushback Continues To Innovate As New Vascular On Pool Surgery Director At Long Beach Memorial Project

I By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER With colleague Dr. Thomas Fogarty, White led Assistant Editor testing and human deployment of the aortic stent Price Tag graft in 1996. The invention repairs aneurisms of Health Care Quarterly r. Rodney White, whose co-development of the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel, by insert- I By BRANDON RICHARDSON Dthe aortic endovascular stent revolutionized ing a stent wrapped in a fabric liner through a Senior Writer Creating Healthier Office vascular surgery, is continuing to advance innova- catheter into the blood vessel. Upon release, the Environments tions in the field in his new role as medical direc- stent expands and reinforces weaknesses in the ince the Belmont Plaza Page 28 tor of vascular surgery at Long Beach Memorial aorta. This minimally invasive alternative to open- S Olympic Pool was deemed Medical Center. (Please Continue To Page 22) seismically unsafe and closed in 2013, the replacement project has been a hot-button issue for some residents of the area. Now, at its March 2 meeting, the Long Beach Planning Commission is expected to certify the environmental im- pact report (EIR) and approve the site plan review, conditional use A Conversation With City College permit, standards variance and Acting President Ann-Marie Gabel local coastal development permit. Page 34 Jeff Miller, a resident of Bel- mont Shore, and Gordana Kajer, a resident of Belmont Heights, are among those who have voiced con- cerns about the project, ranging (Please Continue To Page 12) Land Use Pacific Coast University, School And Heights Dr. Rodney White, the new medical director of vascular surgery for Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, holds up Of Law Celebrates 90th Year an invention that, since he helped create it, changed the field of vascular surgery: an endovascular aortic stent. Pictured Page 37 in the hospital’s hybrid imaging suite, from left, are: Dr. Ankur Gupta, vascular surgeon; Derek Lester, director of Proposed Building invasive cardiology; and Dr. White. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) Heights Questioned Amid Housing Shortage PART II After Two Years Of Protests, Still No I By BRANDON RICHARDSON Senior Writer

Vote To Unionize Downtown Hotels t its February 2 meeting, A the Long Beach Planning Small Business Showcase Union, Hotels At Odds Over Process; Workers And Councilmember Weigh In Commission voted 5-1 to continue This Issue: Wardlow Road the discussion on the proposed I By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER and to support workers who say protesting, a vote amongst work- Land Use Element and Urban De- Pages 38-39 Assistant Editor their rights have been violated. ers to decide whether to join Unite sign Element to the General Plan. Nearby residents say these consis- Here Local 11 has yet to occur. After more than an hour and a half 2 People In The News or about the past two years, tent protests have been marked In order to hold a formal vote of discussion and another hour of 6 Realty Views F Unite Here Local 11 – a most noticeably by early morning overseen by the National Labor Re- public comment, commissioners 18 Newswatch union based in Southern Califor- bullhorn noise, as well as one in- lations Board (NLRB), a petition in asked city staff to reconsider build- 32 HealthWise nia – has been organizing protests cident in which protestors carried support of unionization must be ing heights and density in certain at the Westin Long Beach and a large wooden cross through the signed by at least 30% of employ- areas and requested more commu- 34 Educators Discuss Betsy DeVoss Renaissance Long Beach hotels in Westin’s lobby. ees and filed with the board. nity outreach. 38 Small Business Dollars & Sense an effort to promote unionization But despite two years of (Please Continue To Page 16) (Please Continue To Page 9)

Long Beach Business Journal PRSRT STD 2599 E. 28th Street, Suite 212 U.S. POSTAGE Signal Hill, CA 90755-2139 562/988-1222 • www.lbbizjournal.com PAID Los Angeles, CA PERMIT NO. 447 By Assistant Editor Samantha Mehlinger Work Life Balanc… ing Act In a very hip creative office space (can’t get any speakeasies and knowledge of which cheap, forgotten more hip than exposed brick walls and an open-air brand of beer is currently in right now) run their own staircase) across from the very hip Berlin Bistro/Fin- marketing agency called Commune Communications. gerprints Record Store building, two Millennials (I’d And with their success, they’re kind of living the call them hip too but there wasn’t enough time to ad- Millennial Dream. minister the test, which involves familiarity with local The guys in question – (Please Continue To Page 4) 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 2

Page 2 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal People In The News

New Long Beach Hotel Managers During the past several months, Long Beach has welcomed three new hotel managers to the city. Pictured from left are: Mooyon Kim, Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport; Kenya Ban- nister, Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Airport; and Paolo Domingo at the Queen Mary. Kim, who has 20 years of industry experience, including 15 years as a general manager, was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. He studied management and marketing at the University of Kentucky, and hotel and restaurant management at the Collins College of Hos- pitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona. Bannister, who was born and raised in Long Beach, attended Long Beach City College and lives in the city, helped with the opening of the Courtyard four years ago, serving as director of sales. She has now returned as general manager. She began her 20-plus year industry career as an intern at the Queen Mary. Domingo came to Long Beach from Las Vegas, where he served as director of hotel operations at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, and prior to that in a similar role at the MGM Grand Casino. He began his career with the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, saying he followed in his father’s footsteps, who served 40 years in the industry. At the Queen Mary, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire ship. He earned a bachelor’s in history from UC Santa Barbara. (Photographs by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan)

Sean Gamette has been latter includes the firm’s giving efforts and stock. Based in Long Beach since it was education programs in the community, to promoted to managing di- events that improve the quality of life in the founded in 1977, SCAN is a “senior-fo- Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condem- rector of engineering serv- Signal Hill area. She earned her bachelor’s cused organization dedicated to keeping nation; Jessica Marquez, a visually im- ices for the Port of Long in international business from Cal State seniors healthy and independent.” It pro- paired teacher of communication studies at Beach. He replaces Doug Fresno. . . . Long Beach-based Alta Envi- vides SCAN Health Plan, one of the largest CSU Long Beach, to the Citizens’ Advisory Thiessen, who retired ear- ronmental has hired two new senior con- not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans in Commission on Disabilities; Michael Clem- Gamette lier this year. According to sultants and project the nation. Selecky has more than 30 years son, energy program manager for the CSU the port’s website, Gamette oversees the managers. Matthew Re- of experience in the health care industry Office of the Chancellor, to the Long Beach port’s design, construction management naud joins the firm’s water and owns Population Health Strategies con- Transportation Company Board of Directors; and program management divisions, head- resources group and Lyn- sultancy firm. Rosenstock is a former dean Jo Prabhu, a transportation advocate for ing all port engineering and construction leigh Love is part of the of the UCLA Fielding School of public seniors, to the Senior Citizen Advisory projects and overseeing an annual project site assessment and reme- health and current professor at the univer- Commission; and Gustavo Orozco, a CSU budget of more than $200 million. He Renaud diation team. Renaud has sity. . . . Mayor Robert Garcia announced the Long Beach student and army vet, to the joined the port in 2003 as a senior program 15 years of experience in the private and appointment of nine residents to city com- Veterans Affairs Commission. Appointed to manager and was promoted to deputy chief public consulting field, missions and five members to a port advi- the Port of Long Beach Community Grants harbor engineer in 2009 and chief harbor overseeing construction sory committee. New commissioners are: Advisory Committee, which provides direc- engineer in 2013. He earned a bachelor’s of general permit compliance Matthew Peterson, a managing partner of tion in awarding more than $45 million of science in engineering from Cal Poly State programs and writing Shore Restaurant Group to the Belmont port mitigation grants, are: Gary DeLong, University. . . . Debra Montalvo Russell has storm water pollution pre- Shore Parking and Business Improvement former councilmember and owner of TMSI; been promoted to vice vention plans. Love has Area Advisory Commission; Miles Nevin, Irma Archuleta, former city college trustee president of community re- more than 20 years of ex- Love director of the president’s office at Long and a retired teacher and administrator; lations and real estate oper- perience preparing, reviewing and stamp- Beach City College, to the Transactions and Joanne Davis, a developer of financial man- ations for Signal Hill ing technical documents including Use Tax Citizen’s Advisory Committee; Zoe agement programs for statewide campaigns; Petroleum, a privately risk-based corrective action, site concep- Nicholson, a writer, researcher and published Sabrina Sanders, a supporter of student ac- owned energy company tual models, pilot test reports, remedial ac- author, and Gio Ferraro, owner of Ground- ademic programs at CSU Chancellor’s Of- that focuses on the explo- Russell tion plans and much more. Renaud earned work Fitness, to the Human Relations Com- fice; and Kathleen Irvine, a landscape ration and production of crude oil and nat- a bachelor’s in environmental studies from mission; Ethel Powers, involved in general designer, consultant and teacher. ural gas in urban areas. Russell wears State University of New York, and Love several hats for the company, including holds a bachelor’s in geology from Cal overseeing government affairs, urban seis- State Fullerton. . . . Two new members have mic ventures, real estate operations and joined the SCAN Group Board of Directors: Vol. XXX No. 4 • February 28-March 13, 2017 EDITOR & PUBLISHER 1985. It is published every other Advertising/Editorial Deadlines leading the community relations team. The Christobel E. Selecky and Dr. Linda Rosen- George Economides Tuesday (except between Christ- Wednesday prior to publication SALES & MARKETING mas and mid-January) – 25 date. Note: Press releases copies annually. 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Page 4 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Millennial Pulse

(Continued From Page 1) them. (But I swear, I didn’t. Google them.) producing better work. “Frankly, you can’t guidance on career advancement and is in- James Whale, 37, native New Zealander, As they tell it, at the mega-ad agencies of solve creative problems sitting in front of creasingly pushing mentorship opportunities. and Ryan La Rosa, 34 year old Long Beach New York, work-life balance was basically your computer 12 hours a day,” La Rosa A topic of conversation within Molina’s local – left careers at big agencies in New nonexistent. “From the outside in, some of said. “The times that we have solved those HR department is how to increase flexible York City to strike out on their own in a these bigger agencies look pretty sexy and problems hiking in Yosemite or Joshua work opportunities. “We have been looking way that emulates the most sought after amazing,” Whale said. “And you get to work Tree . . . far outnumber the times we have at 9/80 [work schedule] approaches, maybe ideal of Millennials: work-life balance. on these big accounts like Adidas and Coca solved those problems sitting and staring one to two days working remote,” Topps said. My last article cited research that showed Cola. But the truth of it is there are so many at each other in an office.” Topps dismissed the stereotype that most Millennials feel indifferent towards people willing to do your job that nights, At Commune, working remotely is totally Millennials are lazy. If Millennials on his their jobs but desire to be passionate and weekends are fair game,” he recounted. acceptable, and taking time off is encour- team have enough free time to be on their have value in the workplace. They also crave “The way that advertising agencies aged. Even simple breaks to go out for coffee phones, he said, “I’m probably not chal- flexibility and opportunities to advance. have gone is that you populate them with help keep creativity flowing, La Rosa said. lenging them enough.” I also promised to follow up with local em- floors and floors of young people who are Lest I anger the masses by only inter- But both Commune Communications ployers on whether or not Millennials fit into willing to do that, because that’s how you viewing Millennials, I also talked to Long and Molina Healthcare pointed out a trend the stereotype that they are lazy and entitled pay your dues,” La Rosa said. “We just Beach’s own Fortune 500 company, Molina of Millennials expecting to be assigned at work, or if we’re all just misunderstood. wanted to not do that at all costs.” Healthcare. Millennials make up 42% of its work above their experience level. La Rosa and Whale set the stage for this For these two, work-life balance not massive 20,000-person workforce, accord- “You find with a lot of Millennials, be- discussion so well it’s almost like I invented only allows for leisure – it is also a means ing to Edward Topps, manager of human cause they are so ambitious [when] they are resources and talent acquisition at the firm. coming right out of college . . . they want to Talking to Topps, it seems the research jump right in to a manager or director role presented in my last column is pretty in line with no years of experience,” Topps said. with Molina’s understanding of Millennials. “But we want to make sure we still motivate To refresh the memories of my legions them and train them the appropriate way to of adoring fans (read: Grandma), a poll let them have realistic expectations.” by Deloitte found that more than half of La Rosa and Whale tend to hire recent Millennials feel their leadership skills are college graduates and have seen similar be- not being developed, an issue cited by havior. “Sometimes we have to pump the nearly three-quarters who plan to leave brakes and go, ‘Well, you’re actually not their jobs in a couple of years. ready to create a whole advertising cam- Topps said Molina’s highest turnover paign,’” La Rosa said. rate is among Millennials, who tend to So what’s my verdict on Millennials in want to seek other opportunities to the workplace? As both Topps and the broaden their horizons. Commune guys noted – laziness and enti- “They want to feel like their work is a part tlement are qualities that could apply to any of their company’s mission and purpose – age group. Sure, maybe we’re a little full of that it actually provides value,” Topps said of ourselves, but that wind will get knocked Millennials. He added, “They want to make out of our sails pretty fast. sure they are having that direct impact.” Cut us some slack and let us take a coffee To that end, Molina Healthcare provides break, for God’s sake. I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 5 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 6

Page 6 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Real Estate & Development

Mayor Robert Garcia said LBX is a qual- ity project and that he is glad to see a proj- ect that respects the area’s history while continuing Long Beach’s “incredible leaps and bounds” in bringing retail and restau- rants to residents citywide. He said he ex- pects the project to not only draw Long Beach residents from all parts of the city but also across the region. “We rarely get a project where every- one’s happy. There’s a lot of projects where we get a lot of opposition or a lot of con- cern,” Garcia said. “This has not been one of those projects. This has been like a rolling out the red carpet type of a situation with this community.” Fifth District Councilmember Stacy Mungo said there is a positive buzz throughout her district about the project. She said the area has long since been a “food desert,” with residents leaving the city to dine. However, recent developments and LBX look to change that routine. Developers and city officials broke ground on the 26- “As you finish your construction and you acre Long Beach Exchange on February 14. The largest start to open your doors, we look forward project to date on the Douglas Park property will consist to partnering with you to hire Long Beach of 266,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space residents to keep the commutes low and on the southwest corner of Lakewood Boulevard and employees happy,” Mungo added. Carson Street. Pictured from left: Jonathan San Antonio New Industrial And of Rockwood Capital; Stephen Thorp of Burnham USA; Scott Burnham of Burnham USA; Mayor Robert Garcia; Office Condo Project 5th District Councilmember Stacy Mungo; Bryon Ward Construction is set to begin in March on of Burnham-Ward Properties; Therese Hotvedt of Burn- a 50,000-square-foot industrial and office ham USA; and Joel Mayer of Rockwood Capital. (Pho- condo project at 1333-1351 Orizaba Ave., tograph by the Business Journal’s Brandon Richardson, pictured below. The project by Lee & As- Rendering courtesy of Burnham USA) sociates Commercial Real Estates Services I By BRANDON RICHARDSON Nordstrom Rack, Orchard Supply Hard- This space will be anchored by a repurposed will feature 10 suites ranging from 2,470 Senior Writer ware, PetSmart and T.J. Maxx are con- airplane hangar, which will house numerous square feet to 7,182 square feet. The con- firmed tenants of the complex. smaller purveyors such as artisanal coffee, dos are near restaurants such as Joe Jost’s, Development News “The vision is to develop an experiential juice and small-scale retailers. Working Class Kitchen and Long Beach retail shopping center that focuses on din- To further the spirit of aviation at the site, Long Beach Exchange Groundbreaking Thai and are walking distance to Orizaba ing, fashion and entertainment,” Stephen Bryon Ward, partner at Burnham-Ward, Park. Suites will sell for between $199 and On February 14, Long Beach city offi- Thorp, executive vice president of Burn- said the company spent time at the Long $250 per square foot. cials and developers celebrated the ground- ham USA, said. “We’re very excited to be Beach Historical Society and found photo- breaking of Douglas Park’s largest project a part of the community, and we look for- graphs and statues that depict the aviation to date, the 26-acre Long Beach Exchange ward to our grand opening in April 2018.” history of Long Beach. (LBX) on the southeast corner of Lake- Scott Burnham, CEO of Burnham USA, “A lot of found art and a lot of imagery wood Boulevard and Carson Street. said the design and aesthetic of the project is are going to be curated and consolidated on The project by Burnham-Ward Proper- meant to pay homage to the history of avia- this site,” Ward said. “So in addition to a ties, an affiliate of Burnham USA, was ap- tion in the area, as the site is the former lo- great retail experience, it will hopefully be proved last November and will consist of cation of McDonnell Douglas operations. a museum of sorts and hopefully a re- approximately 266,000 square feet of retail Two acres of the project are designed as open minder of what this site meant to the city, and restaurant space. Whole Foods 365, communal space, according to Burnham. to the state and to the country.”

put and not selling, then the answer to the creases cost, delays and entitlements to continues to improve at a moderate pace.” Realty Views current shortage needs to come from build. Even though many of these entangle- A number of factors are used in this homebuilders – and recent activity is not ments are likely to take months or years to study of U.S. metros areas—including very encouraging there. change, housing leaders feel that more price, permit and employment levels for Will Regulatory According to the recently released National housing production could be on the way. the past 12 months and dividing each by Association of Home Builders/First Ameri- “Though rising, single-family permits their annual average over the last period Relief Help Housing? can Title Leading Markets Index (LMI), sin- continue to lag the other components of the of normal growth. They use the 2000- gle-family permits are running at just 52% of LMI,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert 2003 period for home prices and permits lot of attention has normal activity, while employment is at 98% Dietz. “This is due to a number of factors, as the last normal period and 2007 for the Abeen focused on eas- and home prices were well above normal at including regulatory hurdles and supply- employment baseline numbers. ing regulatory hurdles by 147% at the end of 2016. This kind of activ- side headwinds such as persistent shortages Among major metro areas showing im- the new administration in ity will lead to an affordability issue, which of lots and labor in many markets. As we provement, Baton Rouge tops the list, fol- Washington, and it ap- is already happening in some markets. address these challenges, we should see an lowed by Austin; Honolulu; Provo, Utah; pears that the home build- “While housing continues to gradually additional increase in housing production.” and San Jose. Los Angeles ranked ninth. ing industry is looking in mend, regulatory constraints are preventing From the outside, the LMI Index looks Among the smaller metro areas, Odessa, that direction for some builders from meeting demand in many mar- to have improved overall and shows that Texas, ranked first, followed by Midland, By Terry ross help in alleviating one of kets,” said NAHB Chairman Granger Mac- 174 of approximately 340 metro areas Texas; Ithaca, New York; Walla Walla the largest problems in housing right now: Donald, a homebuilder and developer from across the country have returned to or ex- Washington; and Florence, Alabama. not enough new homes. Kerrville, Texas. “We expect further im- ceeded their last normal levels of eco- Untangling the regulatory maze will not It has been well-documented that current provement in the year ahead as we work with nomic and housing activity – with 86 automatically supply more labor or produce owners are not moving like they were in the the new Trump administration and Congress markets improved over 2015. more places to build; however, making it eas- early part of this century – well before the to implement regulatory relief that [will] help “More than 250 markets, or 75% of all ier to work toward those goals, instead of cre- housing crash – and that fact has impacted small businesses and the housing sector.” metro areas nationwide, now stand at or ating roadblocks, should help these issues. inventory on all levels. The number of The other component of this issue in- above 90% on this quarter’s Leading Market (Terry Ross, the broker-owner of TR homes for sale is not meeting the demand volves the supply of labor and available lots Index,” added Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chair- Properties, will answer any questions about for buyers, which is creating a shortage and on which to build. Regulatory reform can man of First American Title Insurance Com- today’s real estate market. E-mail questions even driving a resurgence in prices. impact these areas as well if the government pany, which co-sponsors the LMI report. to Realty Views at [email protected] or If owners feel more secure in staying can strip away some of the red tape that in- “This shows that the overall housing market call 949/457-4922.) I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 7

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 7 Real Estate & Development

Olympic Plaza and is open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on week- ends. The facility includes state- of-the-art equipment, trainers and instructors in three classrooms, ocean views throughout much of the facility and members can uti- lize the rooftop deck for sunrise and sunset yoga and meditation, among other things. The space Pictured is the new headquarters office at 4000 Cover St. at Dou- also includes an in-house cafe glas Park for C2O Coconut Water, LLC. The firm relocated from called Portfolio Fit by Kerstin Seal Beach and purchased the freestanding commercial building Kansteiner, owner of Portfolio of approximately 8,855 rentable square feet for $3.25 million. and Berlin coffeehouses on 4th Mark Sokolowski of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank represented Street. The cafe is open to mem- the company. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) bers and nonmembers alike and Real Estate News offers coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, Rancho Domingues Building Sale high-protein snacks and healthy meals. Orient Express LLC recently acquired an Motorcycle Repair Shop industrial building located at 3144 E. Maria Opens On Wardlow Road St. in Rancho Dominguez, adjacent to Long Beach Choppers LLC celebrated Northwest Long Beach. The 34,964-square- its grand opening on Saturday, February 25. foot building was sold for more than $4.8 According to a press release, the shop is million and includes approximately 5,000 “dedicated to keeping old school Harley square feet of office space. DAUM Com- Davidson and custom choppers on the mercial Real Estate Services represented road.” The shop is located at 708 E. Ward- the seller, Michael Leung, while Colliers In- low Rd., just behind Sports Pub. ternational represented Orient Express. Furniture And Home Decor On 2nd Street In Belmont Shore Retail And H. Richtter, a new home decor and fur- niture store, is scheduled to open for busi- Professional Services News ness March 1 at 5470 E. 2nd St. Owner Olympix Fitness Now Open Nick Pirniakan said the store specializes in Taking the place of Yankee Doodles, midcentury rugs and will offer a unique Olympix Fitness opened its doors for mem- shopping experience with many one-of-a- ber workouts on February 18, with regular kind items and free in-house consultations. operating hours that began on February 20. Pirniakan said a grand opening event will The Belmont Shore gym is located at 4101 be scheduled at a later time. I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 8 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 9

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 9 Real Estate & Development Land Use And Heights (Continued From Page 1) “I think it’s a major planning document for the city that’s going to affect the city for so long,” Commissioner Richard Lewis said. “I think we just want to make sure that we have it right and [are] putting the time into it.” Lewis said he thinks city staff did a good job of spreading growth opportunities throughout the city but that the reality is that there is more developable land in areas closer to downtown near the Blueline. Be- cause of this, proposed density is greater, and that is what is causing the concerns of the area’s residents. Many of the questions and concerns raised by residents, which were the basis of the commission’s decision, were focused on proposed building heights, specifically in the Wrigley area in several locations Mauna Eichner and Lee Fukui are 6th District residents who live near sites that would be allowed five-story buildings under the current Long Beach Land Use along Pacific Avenue. The proposed land Element proposal. The residents claim that such tall buildings near single-story residential homes are imposing on occupants and point to this location on use would allow buildings up to five stories West 33rd Street near Pacific Avenue as an example. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) to be built near transit stations, while cur- happen is just not realistic, specifically in Beach, public comments on the environ- opening of the Blueline. Additionally, since rent zoning and land use does not allow for our neighborhood.” mental impact report and e-mails being it was adopted, the city has gained 44,000 buildings of more than two stories. Fukui and Eichner said the proposal sent to more than 6,000 community mem- residents, the Aquarium of the Pacific was “I think a lot of people were surprised by should work for everyone but that compro- bers and leaders. constructed, downtown has experienced a what the new building heights were going to mise would most likely be necessary. A “A lot of work has gone into this plan. renaissance, and bike and pedestrian infra- be and what the new development was going previous version of the proposal of the We were definitely disappointed not to structure has become more prominent in to entail,” Lee Fukui, a 6th District resident Land Use Element had more areas along move forward immediately, but it’s not a the area. All of these factors play a role in who supports the commission’s decision, Pacific Avenue that would allow up to four- big delay,” Koontz said. “We will be back the proposed increased density of down- said. “We know that [city staff] want to mo- story buildings. However, after pushback in April to give the commission some more town and its adjacent neighborhoods. tivate people to use the Blueline. But at the from residents, city staff reduced them information. We’ll do a study session on Koontz noted that 58% of the housing same time, we don’t think they were consid- back to two stories. April 6. If everything goes well there, we stock is over 50 years old, and changes are ering other transit lines like bus lines, and it When asked if this was the compromise can go back in another month or two for a needed soon to keep up with demand and felt like it was being concentrated here.” needed to make the proposal acceptable, formal vote on approval.” prevent further drastic price increases for Fukui and fellow 6th District resident the residents said that it was not enough, When discussing resident concerns about renters and homebuyers. Mauna Eichner said that while there are and the five-story allowances that remained increased density near the Blueline, Koontz “We know that it is a big decision and a changes and additions to land use and den- were not wanted. Eichner said eventually pointed out that the current General Plan hard decision for the commission, so I to- sity throughout the city to varying degrees, they may have to compromise with allow- was adopted in 1989, two years prior to the (Please Continue To Page 11) much of it seems to be focused in the ing three- or four-story buildings but they Wrigley area near the Blueline. The resi- will continue to try and convince city staff dents said that having buildings taller than otherwise until then. two stories in neighborhoods with single- “So if they call us NIMBYs [an acronym story, single-family homes and in areas al- for the phrase “Not In My Back Yard”], ready impacted by density with regards to well, I could say the same thing about any parking is illogical. community that cares about overdevelop- “We’re not opposed to development, but ment,” Fukui said. “You’ve got to be it ought to be smarter,” Fukui said. “There smarter about development, and you’ve got are already neighborhoods that are terribly to take into consideration your neighbors. impacted with parking, and if you add on That’s all we’re asking.” more stories and multi-use buildings, that Christopher Koontz, advanced planning means more people need parking.” officer for the city, explained that the “There’s this idealistic view that no one’s process for the proposal has been ongoing ever going to have cars again, but that’s for 10 years, with a draft of the proposal never really shown to pan out in Califor- posted in May 2015. In the past six months, nia,” Eichner added. “People feel very un- Koontz said community outreach has been safe on the Blueline. And until that gets extensive and has included a citywide open turned around and people really do want to house, more than 10 community meetings, get rid of their cars, to idealize that this will a student focus group at Cal State Long 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 10 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 11

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 11 Real Estate & Development

Land Use And Heights Jay Davis owns five properties along Pacific (Continued From Page 9) Avenue and fully sup- tally understand them wanting more infor- ported the Land Use El- mation and more time,” Koontz said. “But ement’s proposed I think we’re going to still try to continue five-story building al- in an expedited fashion because we feel lowances near transit that it’s a plan that needs to be adopted. stations. Davis said a And the city needs to move forward if two-story cap is not en- ticing to developers we’re going to be able to create jobs and and keeps properties housing opportunities for our residents.” vacant and underuti- Parallel to the planning commission’s lized. (Photograph by discussion is the city council’s recent study the Business Journal’s session on housing affordability at its Feb- Larry Duncan) ruary 21 meeting. During a presentation, more viable for developers. Property own- Jay Davis, owner of five properties along explained that people are focusing on what Amy Bodek, director of Long Beach De- ers agree that larger-scale projects are the Pacific Avenue, said. “The problem is you the community is today instead of what it velopment Services, said that 38% of Long best way to encourage more development. really can’t make the investment in the cur- could be in the future. Beach residents are above moderate in- “Now we’re getting to a point that we can rent restrictions.” “Without being able to make changes come, 17% are at moderate income and the do something that allows the opportunity Davis said a balance needs to be found and allow for something different, areas remaining 45% are at low, very low or ex- for an investment that you can get a return that preserves the community’s character aren’t going to flourish,” Portillo said. tremely low income levels. She said these on and not have it sit there and languish,” and tradition while allowing it to grow. He “They’re just going to die.” I numbers indicate there are great housing needs not only for low-income residents but also those above moderate income. Bodek also spoke to low-paying jobs and poverty, noting that 47% of households are burdened; meaning more than 30% of in- come is spent on rent alone. Additionally, 24% of residents are considered overbur- dened, meaning they spend over 50% of their income on rent. These numbers, combined with the fact that around 60% of Long Beach residents are renters, indicate a need for the construction of housing at the market rate and affordable levels with increased density, not unlike the proposed Land Use Element. Former Assemblymember and Long Beach Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal is the chair of the housing study group organ- ized by Mayor Robert Garcia last year. The group was part of three community meet- ings with residents, housing advocates and developers. During the council meeting, she identified three steps to help during the housing crunch: prioritize and plan afford- able housing; protect and preserve current affordable housing; and produce and pro- mote new housing. “It’s an extremely difficult time to find funding,” Lowenthal said. “That, indeed, is your biggest challenge. We hope that you’re going to dig deep into every possible source of funding.” Not all community members share the same reservations about increased density in areas such as Pacific Avenue. Sam Por- tillo, a 6th District resident, said the area is long overdue for a change. “The Wrigley area was built and de- signed a long time ago. At that time, what was there was conducive to what the envi- ronment was in the neighborhood. But now times are different, and needs are different,” Portillo said. “So the buildings that are there and the regulations that we have for those areas really need to be changed so they catch up with the times.” Portillo said he is not upset with the de- cision to continue the discussion because he understands the concerns of some resi- dents regarding building height limits. However, he said that as a resident with a home directly behind Pacific Avenue, he does not take issue with taller buildings being allowed in the area. He noted that even if five-story buildings are allowed, individual developments are still subject to approval and pushback from the community and may result in smaller buildings. Portillo also acknowledged that more story allowances make opportunities 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 12

Page 12 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Real Estate & Development

Looking south from above Olympic Plaza. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Long Beach)

View from the beach. (Rendering Belmont Plaza Pool courtesy of the City of Long Beach) (Continued From Page 1) from its intended use to the cost. Even those in favor of the proposed project admit the $103 million price tag seems a bit excessive. However, those who oppose the project cite the cost as a reason to stop it in its tracks. “Why [is the city] moving forward and asking for approval of a project with unde- fined costs?” Miller said. “That figure of $103 million, they admit that’s not a true cost. They’ve stated publicly that the cost will not be known until after the city coun- cil gives approval and an actual construc- tion design is put together and submitted.” Looking west from the indoor pool spectator seating. Tom Modica, assistant city manager for (Rendering courtesy of the City of Long Beach) Long Beach, admitted that the estimate made in 2014 is subject to change further along in the process. He explained this is be- cause through the entitlement process, with the planning commission, the coastal com- mission and appeals, the design could be al- tered, which would naturally change the cost for better or worse. For this reason, a true projection of cost cannot be determined until a design is approved and finalized. The proposed budget encompasses the demolition of the old building, planning and design of the new facility, permitting, construction management and actual con- struction cost, according to Modica. He said that little more than $10 million has been spent so far on the demolition and preliminary designs. A major source of concern for both Kajer and Miller is that the city’s Tidelands Op- erations Fund is funding the project, which is in large part tied to oil revenue generated by Tidelands. When the project was first proposed with its $103 million budget, oil prices were up and budgeted as such, Mod- ica explained. However, when oil prices crashed, Tidelands monies took a hit and pool funding came into question. “Of the $103 million project budget, we have $60 million that was set aside in cash,” Modica said. “That was done through a prioritization of Tidelands dollars back in 2016. In the [fiscal year] ’17 budget, the city added an additional $1.5 million in [Tidelands] funding toward the project. So approximately $61.5 million is funded of the $103 million.” To make up the roughly $42 million View from the southeast outdoor pool deck. discrepancy, Modica said the city is look- (Rendering courtesy of the City of Long Beach) ing at various strategies, including re- 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:03 PM Page 13

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 13 Real Estate & Development

“I’m a supporter of the whole idea “future funding sources would be some- When asked if there is a scenario Miller and Kajer contend that there is not thing the city council would decide.” enough parking for spectators and visitors of Long Beach as an aquatic Miller explained that the problem with in which General Fund money of the pool when combined with beachgo- capital. That’s a fine notion. I’d the project being funded by Tidelands funds would be used for the project, ers, the new Olympix Fitness gym, pier and is that there are more than $300 million in pier-adjacent businesses and residents. Ad- like to see it done so that it works, Tidelands projects that the city has pre- Modica said that none has been ditionally, Miller said the EIR and city of- though. My concern over the sented and prioritized. By allocating more allocated for the pool to date ficials deny that parking could pose a than two-thirds of current available funds to problem, completely ignoring what he calls economics of this is that it the pool, many projects will be postponed. and that “future funding the “ground truth” of the full lots on a hot would not work in that location Miller and Kajer said other Tidelands proj- sources would be something summer day. ects are more important than the pool. Lucy Johnson, a boardmember of the in Belmont Shore. It’s not an Modica confirmed that available Tide- the city council would decide.” Aquatic Capital of America Foundation accessible location for the traffic lands funds at the time projects were prior- (ACA), disagrees, saying the more than itized totaled roughly $99 million. However, Those costs are very high because of the 1,000 spaces of surrounding parking have and the parking requirements he pointed out that the initial $60 million nature of the competitive pool.” never been an issue in the nearly 50 years that spectators would need.” was set aside for the pool prior to city staff However, Modica explained that there she has used the site’s pool. being asked to prioritize Tidelands projects. has been an initial analysis as part of the “Even for a big event like the national Jeff Miller, Belmont Shore Resident According to Modica, when the list was pri- fiscal guidelines of the project, though it is championships, the last third of that lot was oritized, no money was added or taken away subject to change for the same reasons that never full. Teams come in a bus or a van. gional, state and federal grants and avail- from pool funds and remaining funds were the total project cost might. After revenue [Parking] is absolutely not an issue,” John- able county park money, as well as private allocated to other projects accordingly. from special events and other uses is taken son said. “We’ve had two Olympic trials, fundraising and donations. Some of the current projects still being into consideration, the net maintenance two men’s NCAA championships, high “This pool has been such a special facility funded by Tidelands money include con- cost of the pool is about $1.3 million annu- school championships every year, 26 out of in the hearts and minds of the aquatics com- cession improvements along the beach, ally and would be factored into the Tide- the first 29 water polo championships. And munity and has produced some world-class which were completely unfunded before lands budget, according to Modica. we’ve never had a problem.” swimmers and also some very successful the prioritization, and the Naples seawall, Miller said that he believes it is important Johnson added that the previous pool, people,” Modica said. “We believe that in addition to a number of bathroom, light- to keep Long Beach vibrant, up-to-date and which opened in 1968, had seating for up- there’s an opportunity to ask them to donate ing and safety projects. Modica admitted attractive but that a beachside pool is not the wards of 2,400 spectators, while the pro- back to the creation of a new facility.” that lower-priority projects would be held best use of Tidelands funds. Also, aside from posed project only contains seating for Last week, the city began a search for a off until funds are available but that they the cost, Miller and Kajer said the project 1,250. She said that the city is requiring an fundraising consultant to assist in the would be completed over time. has other issues that they think are red flags. approved parking plan, including a person process. Bids for the contract are due by Beyond the initial cost of the project, “I’m a supporter of the whole idea of Long directing traffic, for any event that expects Friday, April 7, and can be made by con- Miller said he is concerned with the ongo- Beach as an aquatic capital. That’s a fine no- 450 or more spectators – a requirement tacting Regina Benavides at 562/570-7062 ing maintenance and operational costs of tion,” Miller said. “I’d like to see it done so Johnson called absurd. or [email protected]. the facility. that it works, though. My concern over the In terms of seating, those for and When asked if there is a scenario in “The maintenance and operational costs economics of this is that it would not work in against the project take issue. Richard which General Fund money would be used of a facility like this are not defined in the that location in Belmont Shore. It’s not an ac- Foster, president of the Aquatics Capital for the project, Modica said that none has entire design process,” Miller said. “Those cessible location for the traffic and the park- of America Foundation Board, said the been allocated for the pool to date and that costs were never really brought to light. ing requirements that spectators would need.” (Please Continue To Page 14) Page 14 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Real Estate & Development Belmont Plaza Pool and what the city might hope to get from it in Johnson noted that the proposed facility as the “Aquatics Capital of America,” the terms of increased tax revenue, it means that includes two 50-meter pools, a separate city must invest in pools around the city. She (Continued From Page 13) fully a third of the year, in terms of days, the diving well, a recreational pool, a therapy pointed out that while there are additional seating is not enough, pointing out that pool [is] unavailable for public use,” Kajer teaching pool, a small spa near the diving public pools, the city only has three munic - larger national events and many interna - said. “All of the things that make this a desti - well and a larger spa for the general public ipal pools, including the temporary Belmont tional events require more seating. He said nation for these types of events means that the – a total of seven bodies of water. Pool, the King Park Pool and the Silverado this would lead to events opting for other public can’t use it for a third of the year.” “With having the two pools, they won’t Park Pool. Kajer explained that these three venues such as Federal Way Aquatic Cen - Kajer is referring to a city document that have to close both pools [for events]. They sites are not enough to service the various ter in Washington or Indiana University, identified potential events at the pool and can still have one for recreation, which serves communities throughout the city. which seat 2,500 and 4,500, respectively. the total number of days those events would our public much better,” Johnson said. On the flip side, Foster and Johnson Modica added that space for temporary utilize the facility. Between swimming, div - With regard to the location of the pool, pointed out that the project has always been seating is available for up to 3,000 specta - ing and water polo events at various levels the EIR identified three other locations that portrayed as a revitalization of the former tors at the outdoor pool, should an event re - of competition, the city identified 135 days could accommodate the project, including pool. As a revitalization project, Johnson quire more space. This seating would be of potential events. Harry Bridges Memorial Park, a lot near said it would stand to reason that it would rented, and not owned, by the city. Johnson and Foster pointed out that, first the convention center and a lot on Queen be located on or near the original site. Also, Miller and Kajer, on the other hand, con - and foremost, those numbers are speculative Mary property. Kajer noted that each of Johnson said the beach location played a tend that the proposed spectator seating im - and would most likely be less, as the city these locations are along the coast, and the big role in attracting events in the past. plies the facility is not a municipal pool would not be awarded every event. However, EIR neglected other neighborhoods for the As for Kajer’s assertion that other com - being built for use by residents but rather more importantly, based on the design of the sole purpose of being able to maintain use munities would be better served with a as an event space. proposed complex, the public would still be of Tidelands funds. pool, Johnson noted that the city already “When you talk about this aquatic center able to use the facility during events. Kajer believes that to refer to Long Beach owns the temporary pool in Belmont. “We have a temporary pool sitting in the parking lot right now,” Johnson said. “I’m talking to [9th District Councilmember] Rex Richardson and [8th District Coun - cilmember] Al Austin and saying that I will do everything in my power to move [the temporary pool] to one of those districts.” Kajer and Miller also question the process of stakeholder and community out - reach to determine the residential commu - 3RD ANNUAL nity’s wants and needs versus the aquatics community’s wants and needs. “There was a stakeholder committee set Building A Better Long Beach up to guide the development process. There [was] only one representative on that stake - Publishes March 14, 2017 holder committee that represents residents,” Miller said. “The majority of the stakehold - '
" 
  ers [were] people who have an economic in - terest in swimming and diving and those   
"  %#%
 $ events. That was the driving committee. The economics of it lead from that, and the !! )$%!#! ', beach location is the costliest factor.” .
$$#! !  *!#!#%# Johnson was a member of the committee, which was the result of then-Councilmem - .! ! (!"  %! $$! #$ %*-$! ! '"# % ber Gary DeLong’s request to gain input .% !  $! !'%" from stakeholders. Committee members .%*  &($!# )
#!) '$ $$$ were selected by the city manager, and they held three meetings that focused solely on .%#%$
%*,/    !%* the needs and wants of stakeholders, ac - .  !'  %$ *#!' )!#!#  +%*-$'%'# cording to Modica. The committee did not play a role in site location or design, but .%* ($& (*  !!*!#'$ $$
! ' %* rather in specific elements such as the .(!"  %#!%$ "  number and types of bodies of water and of seating that would accommodate residents . "$!%  !  '$%#$ and events, Modica explained. . & $ ! ,#&   $ Johnson also explained that a number of . !  $%*,! '!!
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#!  input regarding design elements and the /0.(211)-... wants of residents. Several hundred com - *
 & -,+ munity members attended the meeting, ac - cording to Johnson. Additionally, Johnson pointed out that the EIR was circulated and was open to public comment, which was also taken into consideration. “Most of the people support the project,” Johnson said. “They use it, they understand it and they want to see something there. They understand the history and the impor - tance of the project to the city.” According to Modica, if the project keeps to its current schedule and attains full funding, construction is anticipated to begin in October 2018, with an 18-month build-out period. However, Kajer said she and Miller intend to seek the advice of legal counsel if the project is approved and taken to city council, which could lead to a for - mal appeal. I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 15 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 16

Page 16 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Labor Protests At Downtown Hotels

(Continued From Page 1) jeopardy and they are not inclined to reach As of Friday, February 17, the National out to the police.” Labor Relations Board had no record of In a prior interview with the Business any such petitions filed for either hotel, ac- Journal, Lopez said that Unite Here does cording to a board spokesperson. send representatives to hotel employees’ Lorena Lopez, director and organizer for homes. Coworkers in support of unioniza- Unite Here Local 11 in Long Beach, told tion also “will do whatever it takes to try to the Business Journal the union is not pur- talk to them about their support,” she said. suing this method of unionization. “We She believes many workers at the hotels are have not filed for an election, no,” Lopez scared of retaliation from their employers. said. “Workers are organizing, and they are Gonzalez said he believes few employ- looking for a fair process to unionize.” ees at either hotel support unionization. The common alternative to filing a pe- He has spent money out of his own pocket tition for an election overseen by the to purchase anti-union pins, which some NLRB is a process called a card check Westin workers are reportedly wearing neutrality agreement. while on duty. Card check is a process of unionization in which employees sign forms, or “cards,” Councilmember Involvement stating they wish to join a union. If more ith no end in sight to protesting than 50% of employees sign cards indicat- Wand unionization efforts, 2nd ing they wish to unionize, the employer District Councilmember Jeannine Pearce may voluntarily accept unionization with- has been pressed by frustrated nearby res- out an NLRB-overseen election. idents for solutions. Lopez confirmed that the union is seek- As reported in the last edition of the ing a card check neutrality agreement. Business Journal, the city’s health depart- “The card check neutrality agreement is a ment has found the protests to be in vio- process that ensures the employer will re- lation of the city’s noise ordinance every main neutral,” she said. “That’s what we time they have taken a decibel reading of want. We want neutrality.” Protestors advocating for unionization of the Westin Long Beach and Renaissance Long Beach inflated a the activity. Two protestors recently pled Before it begins collecting signatures, giant bed bug outside the Westin on February 24. They reportedly asked exiting guests of the hotel if no contest to disturbing the peace, and an- the union wants the hotel to commit to re- they were aware they could receive $25 refunds if they witnessed bed bugs in their rooms. These protests are organized by the union Unite Here Local 11. (Photographs by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) other three are currently being prosecuted maining neutral and allowing the process for the same offense. to move forward, according to Lopez. We’re hoping that the city feels for these does not want the hotel to unionize. “It’s Prior to becoming a city councilmem- While the NLRB process is a blind vote women and the leadership is doing some- a good atmosphere that we have going on ber in 2016, Pearce was a director for the in which voters remain anonymous, card thing,” she said. right now. I’ve been there for eight years, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy check neutrality is not an anonymous and they’ve taken really great care of us,” (LAANE), a nonprofit organization ded- process in that, by signing a card, employ- he told the Business Journal in an inter- icated to workers’ rights and healthy com- ees are in essence signing their name to Input From Workers view in late January. munities. In that role, she worked directly their vote. orkers at the hotels are divided The Westin’s working environment is one with Unite Here Local 11 and partici- A spokesperson for the Westin Long into two camps: pro-union and W built on teamwork, according to Gonzalez. pated in their labor protests at the Hilton Beach sent the Business Journal a state- anti-union. But without any signatures “If we need help, managers will come help Long Beach – bullhorns and all. It has ment indicating support of an NLRB se- collected, it’s difficult to know which way us. Our own general manager will be bus- been “several years” since she was on a cret ballot process. the tide is turning. ing tables with us if we need it,” he said. picket line, she stated. “We support our associates’ right to de- Rosa Casarrubias has worked as a wait- “We’ve never had problems with manage- Pearce described her role in efforts to cide whether to participate in activities ress at the Westin Long Beach for 10 unionize the Westin and Renaissance as fol- protected by federal labor laws and to de- years and was one of the workers to ini- ment, with employees. The people who cide the important question of whether to tially call Unite Here Local 11 for assis- want the union are the people who are lazy lows: “My role was to educate community be represented by a union,” the Westin tance, she told the Business Journal. and who don’t want to work as a team.” members, to bring people to the table and to statement read. “I called the union because of all the Gonzalez said that Unite Here has em- make sure they were hearing the stories from The statement continued, “The best way harassment and bullying I have been ployed intimidating tactics to convince employees, to give them the opportunity to for our associates to determine if they want going through [that] I reported to human workers to sign documents in support of engage with management if they wanted it, such representation is through a secret bal- resources, to the general manager, even unionizing. [and] to make sure that they were talking to lot election overseen by the National Labor the corporation,” she said. “And they “The families [of workers] are scared,” their elected officials about what they heard. Relations Board, as that agency has been never listen to me.” Gonzalez said. “They don’t give you an op- And that was my role as director.” She noted doing for over 80 years. We also believe Casarrubias alleges she was harassed by tion. It’s either sign up or we’ll harass you, that she has met with many hotel workers of that the associates should have access to in- coworkers and managers, and made official or we’ll follow you until you actually sign both the Westin and Renaissance. formation from all sources before voting. complaints to that effect five years ago. She up.” Gonzalez likened this behavior to Pearce said that claims that LAANE is a “The union, however, wants our associ- also said she has worked overtime and had stalking. “They’ve been to employees’ union front organization are insulting. ates to make a decision based only on infor- to skip 10-minute breaks without being homes. Especially if they find out you want “LAANE really is not a union. It’s not mation provided by the union. Additionally, paid for that time. to go against them, they start going to peo- something that goes out and says you have the union does not want to allow the asso- Jose Nuñez Diaz has worked in house- ple’s houses,” he said. to unionize,” she said. “It’s an organiza- ciates to make this decision in the privacy keeping at the Renaissance Long Beach for Long Beach Police Commander Robert tion that says we want . . . standards for in- of a voting booth. Rather, the union wants nearly 14 years. Via a Unite Here translator, Smith oversaw the department’s West Divi- dustry across the board.” LAANE also them to decide in the presence of union rep- he told the Business Journal he wants the sion, which includes downtown, until re- works with nonprofits involved with envi- resentatives. We do not believe the union’s hotel to unionize so he can receive better cently. He said in a February 6 interview ronmental issues, women’s rights and position respects our associates' rights.” benefits and so that his workload will not with the Business Journal that he has not more, she noted. She estimated that “less The Renaissance has declined to com- be overburdensome. heard about any such incidents. than 25%” of LAANE’s funding comes ment on issues pertaining to the labor “It is extremely stressful to work and to “Here’s what I would say: If there are from labor groups. disputes. do all the work they assign us to. And if we instances where somebody felt their Upon deciding to run for council, Pearce In addition to this unionization cam- are part of the union, we will have the right safety was in jeopardy or somebody were said she stepped away from heavy involve- paign, Unite Here Local 11 is advocating to negotiate that,” Nuñez Diaz said. He also stalking them, on either side, I would en- ment in LAANE’s Long Beach activities. for a city ordinance related to hotel work- said that he has participated in protests in courage you to encourage them to call LAANE did not contribute any funds to ers. “We have been asking the mayor and front of the hotel, which causes his super- and report that so we could collect all the support her campaign, but Unite Here con- the council to put forward an ordinance that visors to become “very angry” with him. facts and investigate it if it’s appropriate tributed $400, she said. will help these women deal with harass- “This is my city. I live in Long Beach,” and also submit something like that for Shortly after becoming councilmember, ment in those hotels,” Lopez said in a pre- Nuñez Diaz said. “And the reason why I am filing consideration,” he said. Pearce traveled to Utah to meet with the vious interview with the Business Journal. fighting is so that I can have a better future Smith added, “The last thing I want to majority owner of the Westin, Utah Retire- She has not seen any movement among in my city and so that all my coworkers can happen for the community down there on ment Systems. She said the purpose of that the city council or the mayor’s office to have a better future.” all sides is for someone to not report a po- meeting was not to push for unionization. initiate the creation of such an ordinance, David Gonzalez, who has worked in tential crime or threat against them, or a sit- Rather, she went to encourage dialogue be- she noted. “We haven’t seen anything. bus service for eight years at the Westin, uation where they feel their safety is in tween all involved parties. 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 17

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 17 Labor Protests At Downtown Hotels

“And in the lunchroom – this is a story that employed at the hotel. One works as a ban- has been relayed to me, and I know there was quet server and the other as a housekeeper. an unfair labor practice that was filed against The accused employee is a supervisory this action – they took the cake and threw it banquet captain at the hotel. Allegations de- away and said, ‘You can’t have this here.’” tailed in Los Angeles Superior Court docu- Unite Here Local 11 sent the Business ments include vividly recounted incidents Journal NLRB settlements related to com- of verbal harassment and sexual assault. plaints at both the Renaissance and Westin. One account in court documents details The nature of those complaints was not in- a 2012 incident in which another male cluded in the settlement documents. To employee allegedly trapped one of the de- comply with the settlement agreements, fendants in a storage room and sexually both hotels were required to post notices in- assaulted her. The defendant said she re- Aqua resident Debbie Lewis captured this forming workers of their right to unionize ported this to human resources, after memorable moment in which protestors and asserting that their employers would which she was granted a week off for be- with Unite Here Local 11 carried a cross not prevent them from doing so. reavement. When she returned she was al- through the lobby of the Westin Long Beach. Unite Here’s Lopez believes the Long legedly told no action could be taken Beach Police Department’s regular re- because such complaints must be re- Because the hotel is up for sale, she also protest-related noise disturbances and also sponse to calls for service related to the solved within a week. wanted to encourage its current ownership lend their voices to the situation if their protests at the hotels is intimidating in na- The Renaissance did not provide com- to sell to a party that “understands what lack of input is causing the impression that ture. “The Long Beach police have used ment regarding these lawsuits. labor peace is.” few people are bothered by the situation. tactics of intimidation and retaliation to the A spokesperson for the Westin Long According to Pearce, Unite Here does Michael Massie lived in the Aqua for protests,” she said. Beach wrote via e-mail that the hotel re- not pursue unionization campaigns unless about eight years until this November, Asked for specific incidences of intim- spects all its employees. “As a top hos- workers are mostly receptive to their ef- when he moved to another city in the region idation or retaliation, Lopez replied, pitality employer, we operate in forts. “What happens in a union campaign for work. “I am not going to say that the “When there is a protest, you have two, accordance with California labor laws [is], before Unite Here will go in and say, protestors didn’t interrupt my day. On nu- three, four, five police cars [responding and are committed to maintaining posi- ‘We’re going to spend resources to try to merous occasions, they certainly did,” he with] two police officers in each car for a tive relations with all of our associates,” organize,’ they talk to people quietly. And said. “But I think they were affective at group of eight or 10 people protesting the statement read. they do not ever go into a hotel and spend what they were trying to do, which was to outside a hotel.” She said the police signal In May 2016, a report on “compliance resources unless they have 50% or more of draw attention to the situation with the that they are there only to protect guests with domestic and international labor the workers who say, ‘Yes, we want to go Westin. I didn’t find it particularly trouble- and the employer. “We have gone to the standards” at the Westin was published down this process,’” she explained. some. It was certainly occasionally an in- Long Beach City Council to complain by the University of California, Irvine This is the same percentage required for convenience on Saturday mornings. But I about these practices from the Long School of Law’s Immigrants Rights a card check neutrality agreement. didn’t find it onerous at all.” Beach police. We have filed complaints Clinic. The report was initiated due to a Pearce pointed out that in 2013, Unite Massie described his political viewpoint with internal affairs.” request from Unite Here Local 11, which Here Local 11 came to an agreement with as fairly left-leaning and a bit libertarian in In response to these comments, the police was made in the summer of 2015, ac- the Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Hyatt nature. “I think that people have the right to department sent a statement to the Business cording to one of the report’s authors, Centric The Pike to undertake both the assemble and speak and make their cause Journal. “In an effort to ensure public safety Sam Cretcher. NLRB blind-vote process and the card known,” he said. “I am not intimately famil- and the safety of responding officers, the UCI’s Immigrant Rights Clinic con- check process. Workers voted to unionize. cluded that the Westin violated wage and iar with the labor practices of the Westin, police department deploys resources based “The fact is, nobody is coming to the hour laws by denying uninterrupted rest but I tend to think that if maybe someone on the totality of reported circumstances, in- table right now, and they can’t even have and meal breaks and failing to pay house- has a labor complaint or wishes to organize, cluding call type and the number of individ- those discussions in a peaceful way that keeping staff for time spent preparing for that is clearly within their rights.” uals involved,” the statement read. demonstrate respect and dignity and take their work. Another downtown resident, Lynne “The police department has met with away the fear,” Pearce said. “Having a Smothers Reese, said she supports the pro- The report’s authors came to these con- community stakeholders, including union third party come in and take over that testors. “I live down the street and I have clusions without communicating with representatives, to discuss the concerns of process is the only way that workers are actually participated in some of the protests hotel officials. the involved parties. . . . The police depart- ever going to feel safe.” at the hotel. I think they treat their employ- The report also alleges that the Westin ment has also provided an overview of the She reflected, “The best thing we can do ees shabbily and that the protests are an ef- threatened to lower workers’ wages if they internal affairs process, including the as elected officials [and] as residents is to fective way to draw attention to the issue.” unionized and that the hotel denied the mechanism that should be utilized to report say, ‘How do we get a process?’ Whatever Daly wants to know why the protests union “equal access to the workforce” to any potential acts of misconduct,” the po- the workers decide, if they vote with NLRB haven’t stopped. give the union the opportunity to counter lice department stated. and it’s not for the union, at least there was “It seems like there should have been a “anti-union messages” from the Westin. a fair process that had oversight, that was vote. That’s what I can’t figure out,” Daly UCI’s clinic relied upon documentation transparent, [and] it was in a place taken said. “They talk about a fair election Worker Lawsuits provided by Unite Here Local 11, as well away from fear.” process. Who is preventing them from oth hotels are embroiled in law- as documents from LAANE. Also fac- Pearce expressed that she was content holding the vote? It seems like it’s just bul- B suits filed by employees. Class ac- tored into UCI’s report: interviews with with any method of voting agreed upon by lying tactics to force it upon them.” tion suits against both hotels allege labor and sworn affidavits by hotel employees; all parties. Daly continued, “They have a right to violations, including failure to pay com- hotel documents including pay stubs, the In our previous issue, the Business Jour- unionize in the appropriate manner. And if pensation for meal and rest periods, for employee handbook and the benefits nal interviewed three residents of the Aqua they can’t do it through the established all hours worked, and for overtime hours. packet; and communications between the who say their lives have been adversely im- statutory procedures of the election process Other allegations include minimum wage union and the hotel’s principal owner. pacted by the noise from the protests. and whatever else the NLRA [National violations, failure to reimburse for ex- Employees were not selected at random Pearce said that only the “same five peo- Labor Relations Act] allows, then they are penses or losses incurred due to perform- for interviews. Rather, Unite Here Local ple” have been expressing concerns about just going to stand there and have no inten- ing work duties, failure to provide 11 connected the UCI clinic with employ- noise generated by the protests. tion of ever stopping with the bullhorns accurate itemized wage statements, unfair ees. “Once connected, we independently Kyle Daly, another resident of the Aqua until the other side – the Westin or the Ren- business practices and more. conducted every interview. Union repre- building across the street from the Westin, aissance – just caves.” These lawsuits are ongoing. A status sentatives were only present upon request called Pearce’s assessment that few people conference for the class action suit for translation assistance,” Sam Cretcher, are discontent with the protests to be “a Allegations Of Intimidation against the Renaissance was held on Feb- one of the report’s authors, told the Busi- gross understatement.” He did, however, ruary 24, and a status conference for the ness Journal via e-mail. point out that there are numerous Aqua and On Part Of Employers, Police suit against the Westin is planned for June “Neither the hotel nor its parent com- other area residents who support the earce expressed concern about ac- 15, according to Los Angeles County Su- panies were contacted about the report,” protests or are indifferent. P counts of intimidation by superiors at perior Court documents. Cretcher wrote. “The nature of the report Daly has not called Pearce but has called the hotels. She said one such incident oc- In another lawsuit against the Renais- and the evidence on which it relied did the police department, the mayor’s office curred after as many as 50 workers at the sance Long Beach and a male employee, not require immediate comment. As and the city prosecutor’s office to complain Renaissance notified management of their two female employees are fighting for stated in the report's conclusion, the pur- about protest noise. He acknowledged that intent to unionize and aired grievances about damages due to alleged assault, battery, pose of our publication was to aid the perhaps he and others should stop relying unpaid rest breaks and other labor violations. sexual battery, sexual harassment, gender hotel and other decision-making entities on Debbie Lewis, another Aqua resident, to “A week later, they got a cake that said, discrimination, retaliation and other com- with useful information in responding to take up the mantle of fighting against ‘Welcome to the union,’” she recounted. plaints. Both plaintiffs are Latina women workers' appeals for change.” I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 18

Page 18 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Newswatch

number. I actually think we could do it for Ports Begin Work On Draft Clean Air Action Plan less,” Dines said. “The solutions the CAAP proposes are I By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) provide these analyses in supplemental more than what is necessary to reach Assistant Editor had been requesting an extension of the documents. She told the Business Journal those goals,” Thomas Jelenic, former comment period. They have also re- that the ports intend to draw from a num- POLB employee and current vice presi- Although the comment period for the quested that the ports provide cost as- ber of sources. dent of PMSA, told the Business Journal. San Pedro Bay ports’ joint discussion sessments for the proposed CAAP The Clean Air Action Plan sets air emis- He said use of ultra low nitrogen-oxide document outlining proposed updates to updates, as well as an analysis of how the sions reductions goals for the ports and out- emitting technologies, which are typically their Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) was proposals might impact the ports’ com- lines means to achieve those goals. The powered by renewable fuels, would allow set to close in mid-February, the ports’ petitiveness. discussion document proposed air emis- the ports to attain its air emissions reduc- harbor commissions both agreed to ex- At a February 13 Long Beach Board of sions reductions in line with the state’s re- tions goals for half the cost. tend the comment period as a draft docu- Harbor Commissioners meeting, Heather quirements to reduce harmful air emissions Thomas Lawson, president of the Cali- ment is created. Tomley, director of environmental plan- to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. It also fornia Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, told Stakeholder groups like the Pacific ning for the port, indicated staff would suggested converting to zero emission the Business Journal he thinks the truck trucks by 2035, and converting all termi- conversion timeline should be pushed up nals’ cargo handling equipment to zero to 2023 to address air quality impacts to emissions technology by 2030. residents who live near the ports sooner The PMSA, which represents terminal rather than later. However, he would like operators and shipping companies, has the requirement to include near-zero concerns about the economic viability of emission trucks. “I think it’s great if we these goals. The organization commis- have a zero emission Class A truck by sioned a study by Long Beach-based 2023. I don’t currently see that technol- Moffatt & Nichol which found that con- ogy that far along,” he said. verting terminal operations to all-electric Dines does not believe zero emission technology by 2030 would cost in excess trucks capable of hauling cargo will be of $20 billion. available by 2035 given the current rate Long Beach Harbor Commissioner of technological development. “I do be- Rich Dines said at the February 13 board lieve in the short term, near zero emission meeting that he thought converting termi- is something we can achieve much sooner nal equipment could cost as little as $2 than that,” he said. billion. He told the Business Journal that “There might be some debate over the electrified cargo-handling equipment of timelines that we proposed for 2035 for various kinds has already been developed trucks and 2030 for cargo handling equip- by Chinese-based firm BYD. Some are ment,” Tomley said. “Based off of those already in use at the Port of Los Angeles, comments, we are going to be taking a while prototypes for others are scheduled, very close look at all of those timelines he said. that we’ve laid out as we’re working on “I think that $2 billion is a conservative the next draft document.”

   
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Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 19 Newswatch

Tomley said the ports are trying to bal- Though President Donald Trump’s orig- ance a variety of needs in this process. inal executive order regarding immigrants “We’re trying to balance the environ- from seven Middle Eastern counties has mental goals and the needs of the local since been reversed by a federal court of community for reducing health impacts,” appeals, a revised version of the order is ex- she said. “But at the same time, balanc- pected this week, according to reports by ing that with the industry and the busi- The Associated Press. nesses and the potential costs associated “Today, we stand together in opposing with moving forward with these strate- discrimination of any kind and, in particu- gies on these timelines, and making sure lar, the President’s executive orders on im- we develop programs that can be eco- migration,” the joint statement reads. “We nomically viable.” encourage our suppliers, customers and fel- Tomley estimated that a Draft CAAP low business leaders to join with us in call- might be completed within 12 weeks, ing on our elected representatives at every after which time a new comment period level of government to defend the core val- will begin for that document. “We would ues upon which a diverse, prosperous and allow people to weigh in on that updated free society depends.” I draft,” She said. “Then following that next public comment period we would Long Beach-Based take the document back, finalize it and then present that to our boards for ap- ALTA Environmental proval this summer.” I To Host Stormwater Local Business Workshop At The Leaders Declare Grand On March 16 Support For Immigrants I By BRANDON RICHARDSON Senior Writer And Refugees Long Beach-based ALTA Environmental will host a workshop on California Indus- I By BRANDON RICHARDSON trial Stormwater General Permit Imple- Senior Writer mentation on Thursday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Grand, located at With more than 230 corporations – in- 4101 E. Willow St. cluding Apple, Facebook and Coca Cola – ALTA hopes to educate local businesses speaking out against federal travel bans on on avoiding compliance issues and poten- immigrants and refugees, 27 Long Beach tial third-party lawsuits. businesses have issued a joint statement in “We are very experienced in stormwater opposition. regulatory issues, and we look forward to Tom Bowman, president of Bowman helping businesses and others in Southern Change Inc., is spearheading the local ef- California comply with the permit’s guide- fort to bring businesses together in solidar- lines,” David Renfrew, director of water re- ity on the issue. sources at ALTA, said in a statement. “We often overlook the small and Renfrew will discuss stormwater pollu- medium-sized businesses that contribute tion prevention plan implementation, nu- half of America’s GDP,” Bowman said. meric action levels, and sampling and “Here we see some of them stepping for- laboratory procedures, among other topics. ward collectively to join larger firms in Workshop registration ends Friday, standing up for their employees, neighbors March 10, and costs $125 per person and and families. Together, they are affirming is limited to 50 people. To register, visit al- the authentic American values of diversity, taenviron.com/store/p14/IGP/training. equal opportunity and equal justice. Breakfast, snacks and lunch will be pro- “A workforce that includes the best and vided to business owners, facility managers brightest from around the globe increases and operators, sampling technicians and America’s competitive advantage,” Bow- EHS and compliance managers who attend man added. the workshop. I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 20 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 21 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 22

Page 22 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Health Care Quarterly

The Hybrid Imaging Suite at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center “combines the diagnostic capabilities of a catheterization laboratory with the surgical functions of an operating room,” according to a hospital spokesperson. It also includes advanced imaging equipment, (Continued From Page 1) lives across the world with these in- chief and vascular surgery fellow- including 3D reconstruction ca- chest/abdomen surgery is now uti- ventions. He’s very humble,” ship program director. He remains a pabilities. Pictured in the suite, lized in 50% or more of aortic Thomas said. professor of surgery at the UCLA from left, are: Dr. Ankur Gupta, aneurism cases, according to White. According to the Society for Vas- School of Medicine. He has been vascular surgeon; Dr. Rodney This procedure has made surgical cular Surgery (SVS), about 200,000 working with LBMMC for about 15 White, medical director of vas- intervention an option for patients people in the United States are an- years through a fellowship program. cular surgery; and Derek Lester, who are too high risk for open-cav- nually diagnosed with an abdominal At the hospital, White is leading director of invasive cardiology. ity surgeries, White said. “Beyond aortic aneurism, and about 14,000 an FDA study of a new kind of stent (Photograph by the Business that, it has made it so that people’s Americans die each year when that addresses dissections (tearing) Journal’s Larry Duncan) disability is reduced a lot,” he these aneurisms rupture. of the ascending aorta – the portion noted. “They do better in terms of Vascular disease can cause the of the blood vessel that curves to the recovery.” blockage of the carotid arteries, heart. “This is a test of accuracy and Dr. Gregory Thomas, medical di- which supply blood to the brain. long-term durability, basically,” rector of the MemorialCare Heart & Such a blockage can lead to strokes, White said of the study. Vascular Institute at Long Beach which are the third leading cause of Memorial, said that having White at “Every hour, 1% of patients with death in the U.S., according to SVS. the hospital gives vascular patients this condition die,” Thomas said. access to unique, customized surgi- A “large proportion” of these “There is really nothing more fatal cal solutions. strokes are caused by vascular dis- like that,” he noted. “When I have a “If a person has an aneurism here ease in the carotid arteries. patient with an ascending aortic that is expanding, he can put a stent Peripheral artery disease, which dissection – when you rip the aorta in that’s the right size and that has involves arteries running down the – I tell the patient and their family, the arteries coming out of the proper legs, affects between eight to 12 ‘You are the sickest patient in this spots,” Thomas said, noting that million people in the United States, hospital.’” White creates this in the operating according to SVS. White pointed Surgery to repair this portion of room for immediate use. “That’s out that the death rate for this type the aorta must be done as soon as very unusual to have available.” of vascular disease is higher than possible. “It’s a fire-drill emergency Thomas said the hospital is lucky that of breast cancer patients. to get it done,” Thomas said. “And to have White leading its vascular White worked at Harbor-UCLA if we can do it with a stent, as you program. “Some people can say Medical Center for about 39 years might imagine, it is going to be less they have saved lives, but he has and served as vice chairman of vas- invasive and more likely to work saved thousands and thousands of cular surgery research, division with less chance of stroke or other 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 23

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 23 Health Care Quarterly

complications.” got to retrain again,” he said. Be- search in the field. Thomas, for ex- amazingly well put together, and in As the head of vascular surgery, cause minimally invasive surgeries ample, is leading a team that studies times when it’s hard to survive, White is focusing on expanding the are becoming increasingly common, atherosclerosis in ancient mummies they’re hanging in there and really hospital’s minimally invasive surgi- it is correspondingly more difficult throughout the world. “We found making health care progress,” White cal capabilities related to vascular to provide opportunities to train in that atherosclerosis is not a disease said of MemorialCare Health Sys- care and fostering educational op- traditional, open-cavity surgeries, he of modern people. It goes back as tem. “I was pleasantly surprised be- portunities for medical training. He explained. far as the ancient Egyptian pharaohs cause most institutions are not very would like to collaborate with other White believes minimally invasive and queens,” he said. To see how an enthusiastic about what they are experts in their fields, including surgeries that involve delivering ancient lifestyle may have also doing in today’s environment. And Long Beach Memorial’s Dr. Daniel tools like stents or even medicines played into the disease, he and his here it’s different. There is a very in- Bethencourt, who specializes in ro- via catheters fed through blood ves- team are studying a tribe in Bolivia fectious and positive attitude that’s botic-assisted heart valve repair and sels are the wave of the future. “The that leads an ancient lifestyle. probably the most important part of replacement. one thing about the blood vessels is “The whole health care system is the whole place.” I There may be opportunities to inte- they sort of connect everywhere [in grate the use of robotics in vascular the body], so it’s eventually going to surgery, White said, adding that the be a means for drug delivery for hospital already has the technologi- cancers or implants and organs cal means and facilities to pursue even,” White said. “This idea of such an endeavor. “It’s in an area that working through the vessels and looks like [it has] significant growth doing that sort of thing is going to potential and really could enhance continue and only get exponentially what Long Beach Memorial could do bigger.” for the community,” he explained. He added, “The challenge is how Ongoing surgical training is one of to keep up with it when it changes so the most pressing matters in the quickly.” health care industry today due to LBMMC’s Heart & Vascular Insti- changes in technology and rapid tute is one of the best of its kind in progress, according to White. “In the West, according to Thomas. Its two or three years, [surgeons] have staff continues to pursue unique re- 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 24

Page 24 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Health Care Quarterly

Colon cancer is the third most com- patients and lessen the number of colon Early mon cancer, behind prostate cancer in cancer diagnoses. According to Shah, men and breast cancer in women, ac- the leading factor for the increase in cording to Dr. Anoop K. Shah, direc- screenings is that under the Affordable Detection tor of the gastroenterology department Care Act (ACA), colonoscopies – the at St. Mary Medical Center - Dignity most tried and true screening procedure Health. In February 2000, President for colon cancer – is 100% free through Is Vital Clinton dedicated March as National all insurance companies. Colon Cancer Awareness Month. According to Shah, the ACA in- According to cancer.org, more than cludes a mandate that requires all in- To Colon 130,000 new cases of colorectal surance companies to cover certain (colon and rectal) cancer and 50,000 procedures free of charge regardless deaths are expected in the United of the health care plan deductible. The Cancer States alone in 2017. However, if procedures covered are all preventa- screened for properly, colon cancer is tive, including mammograms, pap preventable and treatable. smears, physicals and colonoscopies, Prevention “Probably close to 50% of people among a few others. are not getting the screening they “The government . . . has really I By BRANDON RICHARDSON Senior Writer need,” Shah said. “Three to five years made this easier on the patient,” Shah ago, if I gave a lecture it would be up said. “This is a preventative test that’s to 60% of people are not getting the accepted in a wide body of literature. screening they need. We’re seeing in And for the longest time, insurances the last few years a tremendous drop weren’t paying for it or were only par- in colon cancer diagnosis.” tially paying for it, which was coun- While Shah said the increase in terintuitive to the whole premise of awareness is a good sign, there is still a preventative care.” lot of work to be done to reach more To ensure customers know these preventive procedures are free, Shah said the government randomly audits health care providers to ensure at least 60% of eligible patients were offered them. Shah said his waiting room is often filled with patients holding re- minder letters from insurance compa- nies to schedule a colonoscopy. Around 95% of colon cancer begins as small polyps in the colon that can be easily detected during a colonoscopy, according to Dr. Conrad A. Cox, a gas- troenterologist affiliated with Lake- wood Regional Medical Center. Patients are sedated for the procedure, which only lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. A flexible fiber-optic instru- ment called a colonoscope is fitted with a light and camera and is inserted into the colon to allow doctors to de- tect polyps that may have formed. The day before the procedure, pa- tients are put on a special liquid diet to cleanse the colon. Cox said many people find the procedure prepara- tions more difficult and uncomfort- Dr. Anoop K. Shah, director of the gastroenterology department at St. Mary Medical Center - able than the actual procedure itself, Dignity Health in Downtown Long Beach, said colon cancer is the third most common cancer but considering the sedation. that it is preventable if patients follow recommended screening practices, which include receiving “Polyps are a precursor to cancer, regular colonoscopies beginning at age 50. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) and we find these polyps in about

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(Continued From Page 24) mitted that while the colonoscopy is The least invasive alternative is test- if multiple small polyps are discov- one-quarter of patients,” Cox said. “If the most effective, it is invasive and ing for blood in a stool sample. Mehta ered in the colon, they can be re- we find one or two small polyps, then can be inconvenient. So some patients said the sample could be small and moved easily during a colonoscopy the recommendation is the next may not want or cannot have the pro- even taken off tissue paper after wip- without surgery. If the lesions are [screening] would be in five to 10 cedure. However, there are several ing. It is recommended the test be larger, doctors will often take a biopsy years. If we find three polyps, then other options for patients. conducted every year. to determine if they are cancerous. we’re thinking the potential for that Kaiser Permanente offers two other Mehta said Kaiser also offers a sig- Benign lesions would be removed, particular colon to develop these screening procedures that are less in- moidoscopy, which is a less invasive and the patient would continue polyps becomes greater, so we in- vasive than the standard colonoscopy, version of a full colonoscopy, where screenings at shorter intervals. With crease the intervals.” according to Kaiser gastroenterologist the scope is inserted into the rectum cancerous lesions, Mehta said a CAT If more than four or five polyps are Dr. Kapil R. Mehta. However, he said and examines the left portion of the scan could be used to stage the cancer found during a screening, Cox said it that each test must be conducted more colon. The idea is that if the left por- and check for spreading. might be recommended that the next often, and if there is a positive result, tion is clear of polyps, it is very likely “If there’s no spread, which two out screening be done the following year. the patient will have to undergo a the rest is clear also. of three times is usually the case, then When it comes to screenings, Cox ad- colonoscopy anyway. Regardless of the type of screening, surgery would be an adequate re- moval. You’d remove that section of the colon and then reattach,” Mehta said “That retains the integrity of the colon and, at the same time, removes the cancer portion of it.” If cancer cells have spread to adja- cent lymph nodes or anywhere else outside the colon, Mehta said the original tumor would be surgically re- moved from the colon and chemother- apy would be used to eradicate the remaining cancer cells. However, he pointed out that regular screenings often catch polyps before they be- come cancerous or shortly after, which greatly reduces the likelihood of spreading and increases the chances of survival. “The survival rate actually ranges from 90% to 100% if we catch it early enough and it’s removed,” Dr. Bhavesh B. Shah, medical director of interventional gastroenterology at Long Beach Memorial Medical Cen- ter, said. “Unfortunately, the numbers are not great if we catch the disease later in the process. Some of the stud- ies show the survival rate drop to be- tween 5% and 10%.” Bhavesh said the drastic decrease in survival rates is a testament to the im- portance of screening for colon can- cer. He said it is one of only a few diseases that can be prevented if ap- propriate guidelines are followed, namely getting screened at the recom- mended ages. For most people, colon cancer screenings are suggested at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter until age 75, unless an excess of polyps or can- cer forms, which would result in more frequent screenings. Several excep- tions include those who have a family history of colon cancer, people suffer- ing from obesity and African-Ameri- 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 27

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 27 Health Care Quarterly

cans, who should begin screenings FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY around age 45, according to Bhavesh. The Normal Colon Several risk factors have been And Rectum linked to or associated with colon The colon and rectum are parts of cancer, including obesity, alcohol con- the digestive system, which is also sumption, tobacco use and high-fat called the gastrointestinal (GI) sys- diets. Bhavesh acknowledged that tem (see illustration). The colon and rectum make up the large intestine these links are not fully proven or (or large bowel). Most of the large backed by comprehensive studies. intestine is made up of the colon, a However, he pointed out that these muscular tube about 5 feet long. The colon absorbs water and salt from habits are known to cause several the remaining food matter after it other ailments, so avoiding them goes through the small intestine (small bowel). keeps people healthier regardless of The waste matter that is left after the link to colon cancer. going through the colon goes into Symptoms of colon cancer that the rectum, the final 6 inches of the digestive system, where it is stored should be recognized between screen- until it passes out of the body ings – or even before a person reaches through the anus. the recommended screening age – in- Types Of Cancer In clude blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and a The Colon And Rectum Adenocarcinomas change in bowel movements, includ- make up more than 95% of colorectal cancers. These cancers start in cells that form glands that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and ing constipation. rectum. When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, they are almost always talking about this type. “I don’t consider March as the Other, less common types of tumors can also start in the colon and rectum. These include: Carcinoid tumors only month that we focus on this,” start from specialized hormone-making cells in the intestine. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start from specialized cells in the wall of the colon called the interstitial cells of Cajal. Mehta said. “In today’s day and age, Some are non-cancerous (benign). These tumors can be found anywhere in the digestive tract, but it is unusual to find them in the it just makes no sense that we would colon. Lymphomas see as many colon cancers as we do. are cancers of immune system cells that typically start in lymph nodes, but they can also start in the colon, rectum, or other organs. I think that raising awareness is a Sarcomas can start in blood vessels, muscle layers, or other connective tissues in the wall of the colon and rectum. Sarcomas of the huge thing.” I colon or rectum are rare. 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 28

Page 28 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Health Care Quarterly Creating Healthier Office Environments I By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER Assistant Editor

The Well Living Lab is a high-tech facility outfitted with technology that allows researchers to change environ- mental stimuli like light, temperature and sound – as well as floor plan configuration – in an effort to identify how office workers’ environments affect them. The lab is a partnership between Delos and the Mayo Clinic. (Photograph provided by the Well Living Lab)

Conserving energy and reducing en- adjacent to the Mayo Clinic’s head- trum LED lighting. Human test sub- vironmental impacts have been major quarters. The Mayo Clinic is a non- jects wear biometric devices to col- considerations in designing and con- profit medical practice, hospital and lect data and feedback on how their structing new buildings. Now, a new research group that dates back more environment is affecting them. trend for built environments is emerg- than 150 years. It is consistently The lab’s reconfigurable ceiling ing, particularly when it comes to of- ranked as one of the nation’s best hos- system allows researchers to alter fice space – designing for human pitals and is well known for pioneer- lighting, ventilation and more. Re- wellness. ing medical research studies. movable floor tiles allow redirection This effort is being championed by The Well Living Lab is a high-tech, of electricity, plumbing and other in- Delos, which pioneered the WELL 5,500-square-foot space in an office frastructure to allow easy reconfigu- Building Standard. Much like the building dubbed the Bio Business ration of spaces. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Center. Its purpose is to generate re- The lab opened in May 2016 and Environmental Design) Standard search that engenders a deeper under- began its first experiment to deter- ranks projects based on their envi- standing of the connection between mine how an office environment af- ronmental friendliness and energy- indoor environments and health. fected the health of the workers within efficiency, the WELL Building The lab is reconfigurable into a it. Specifically, the experiment exam- Standard ranks built environments on variety of office layouts and floor ined how acoustics, lighting and seven concepts affecting human well- plans meant to mimic home environ- thermo conditions impact workers, ac- ness: air, water, light, nourishment, ments. This enables researchers to cording to Barbara Spurrier, the lab’s fitness, comfort and mind. measure how an array of environ- administrative director. The company’s website notes that ments could impact health – and Test subjects temporarily relocated people spend 90% of their time in- what elements of those environments from their actual offices into the lab, doors. Our indoor, built environments may be better, or worse, for us. which was configured to mimic their thus “have a profound effect on our The Well Living Lab is outfitted environment, according to Spurrier. well-being.” with sensors that measure the quality The results of the experiment are Delos takes this concept so seri- of the space and changes in the envi- soon to be released. ously that it has heavily invested in a ronment, windows specially Future experiments will focus on futuristic laboratory called the Well equipped to control how much natu- how employee performance and pro- Living Lab in Rochester, Minnesota, ral light is entering, and full-spec- ductivity are affected by their environ- 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 29

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 29 Health Care Quarterly

ments, according to Spurrier. Chip Israel, CEO and founder of Long Beach-based Lighting Design Alliance, said designing for wellness is a trend impacting all aspects of the lighting industry. A sampling of proj- ects from LDA’s resume include Dis- ney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii, The Venetian in Las Vegas, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Disney’s offices in Burbank, and lighting fixtures on the Vincent Thomas Bridge crossing the San Pedro Bay harbor. “Historically, we were always wor- ried about how much light falls onto the desk,” Israel said. The discovery of light-related wellness problems like seasonal affective disorder – depres- sion related to limited exposure to sunlight – caused a reassessment of this ideology to consider how much Molina Healthcare, a Fortune 500 company, provides an onsite gym at its Downtown Long Beach headquarters light should be hitting one’s face, ac- offices for exclusive use by its staff. The company encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness cording to Israel. both in and outside of the workplace. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) Starting in the 1950s, windows came to be considered energy-inefficient be- “We’re finding out maybe we need cause we don’t want to build new cate daylight,” Israel said. “Which cause they easily let heat in or out of a lot more light in these spaces. But power plants,” Israel said. makes sense, because if you think buildings, according to Israel. So, fluo- it’s kind of contradictory to our en- “There is a lot of talk about using about it, for tens of thousands of years rescent lights were invented and win- ergy codes because they keep saying LEDs that are now available. And you we’ve pretty much lived outside.” dows in offices became smaller. put in less and less electric light be- can mix the colors, and you can repli- (Please Continue To Page 30) 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 30

Page 30 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Health Care Quarterly

Led by staff from Executive Fitness, Molina Healthcare employ- ees take a break from work to exercise at their onsite gym. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan)

(Continued From Page 29) ness program for five years. The 20- Many of LDA’s designs incorporate year-old Long Beach fitness firm is natural light. “My whole point is, why operated by husband and wife Lisa don’t we just put in a window, put in a and Casey Kammel. skylight? You know, let’s do it using “We started working with a local natural sources whenever possible,” company and going into their offices Israel said. Using natural lighting also and using conference rooms to teach saves energy, he noted. group classes,” Lisa Kammel re- LDA’s own office has a variety of called. “So literally it would be mov- natural lighting solutions, including ing furniture, bringing in equipment solar tubes and skylights equipped that would be things like medicine with light diffusers and mirrors to re- balls and stretching bands, and really flect light as the sun moves. opening the eyes of these employees “Anything that we can do to per- to things they could do with very lit- Long Beach-based Executive Fitness staffs and oversees fitness pro- haps reduce sick days . . . [and] to tle resources,” she said. grams for Molina Healthcare. Pictured at Molina Healthcare’s onsite create a better environment for the Executive Fitness provides fitness gym at Molina Towers are, from left, Executive Fitness Director of people, that’s really why we want to services to Fortune 500 company Operations Gema Barrios and co-owners Casey and Lisa Kammel. do this,” Israel said. “And if we can Molina Healthcare. The fitness com- (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) make somebody 5% more produc- pany manages an on-site gym at tive, it pays for all of the lighting Molina Towers in Downtown Long for a little bit and really allow a clear- spending too much time sitting,” she costs.” He added, “Happier employ- Beach for Molina employees and ing of the mind,” Kammel said. “And explained. “Posture is a big concern.” ees should make a more efficient three similar facilities at out-of-state allowing your body to attain some of Executive Fitness also works with company, plus you save energy. offices. “That features group class- that little bit of a healthy break so you other local small businesses, such as That’s a win for everybody.” rooms, a full gym with equipment can be stronger and be more mentally Dean Anthony Salon. “With respect to Creating Cultures Of Wellness with personal trainers on hand, and focused.” She noted that Molina also the people at Dean Anthony, those In The Workplace fitness professionals to run program- has its own internal wellness program hairstylists are standing long hours on In addition to designing workplaces ming,” Kammel said. “And it’s a full for employees in addition to the fit- their feet,” she said. “So I am teaching for wellness, some companies are cre- facility exclusive to the employees ness services her company provides. them stretching, range of motion, how ating wellness programs and provid- of that company.” One of the most common causes of they can hold their posture a little bit ing fitness equipment at worksites, Molina Healthcare has invested in health issues among office employees differently, endurance and strengthen- and even offer healthy food and on- these fitness facilities and programs is being sedentary, according to Kam- ing their upper body. They’re using site medical services to employees. to encourage employees to be active. mel. “You know, unfortunately, they’re those scissors all day long. We want Long Beach-based Executive Fit- “The real goal is to try to get those not necessarily getting up and taking those shoulders nice and strong.” ness has operated a corporate well- employees to step away from the desk breaks from their desk, and [they’re] MemorialCare Health System is 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 31

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 31 Health Care Quarterly

also focused on the health and wellness of its employees. “MemorialCare has been in the business of creating a cul- ture of health and wellness overall for our employees for about 10 years,” Tammie Brailsford, COO and executive vice president of MemorialCare, said. Brailsford said that the health sys- tem takes a “holistic approach” to em- ployee health and wellness. “That takes the shape of being focused on many different things – physical activ- ity being one of them, health and nu- trition being another,” she said. MemorialCare also offers employees assistance in managing chronic ill- nesses or conditions and “financial Executive Fitness co-owner Casey Kammel shows a Molina Healthcare employee how to stretch in place at her and spiritual well-being,” she noted. standing desk. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan) “We have a gym on every campus and at our hospitals and at our corpo- and work at the same time. titioner, which has reduced time off health,” Brailsford said. rate office. We provide yoga classes The health system also makes a taken for illness-related issues, ac- “We do an employee engagement and the like at regular intervals point to provide healthy food in its cording to Brailsford. survey every year with the help of the throughout the day,” Brailsford said. cafeterias. The healthiest food items MemorialCare provides health Gallup organization,” Brailsford said. “We make standing desks and are the cheapest, and the least nutri- coaches to employees with chronic “And a couple years ago we asked our treadmill desks available for many of tional are the most expensive in order conditions. “We have seen tremen- employees whether our commitment our employees,” Brailsford said. to incentivize healthier eating, Brails- dous reduction in blood pressure and to health and wellness and their well- Treadmill desks are precisely what ford noted. The organization’s Foun- in hemoglobin A1c, which is an indi- being had helped them to live a they sound like – desks affixed to tain Valley headquarters also features cator of diabetes, [as well as] weight healthier life. More than 86% of our treadmills so employees can walk a health clinic staffed by a nurse prac- loss and overall improvement in employees responded affirmatively.” I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 32

Page 32 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Health Care Quarterly Upcoming Medical HealthWise Events, Classes

Nuts & Bolts Of Acid Reflux March 14 Diabetes & You: Ask The Expert cid reflux is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions with up to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center is scheduled to host A 20 percent of the western world experiencing it. It occurs when the contents its quarterly class about living with diabetes. The class will feature a presentation on various diabetes-related topics and of the stomach come back up (reflux) into the esophagus. provide networking opportunities and support from others liv- When stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it can cause heartburn – a ing with the disease. burning sensation in the middle of the chest, behind the breastbone or in the middle of Dr. Kyaw Moe, a nephrologist at Memorial, will lead the the abdomen. Approximately six percent of people with acid reflux will experience sig- class, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital at By Bhavesh nificant heartburn. 2801 Atlantic Ave. To RSVP, call 562/933-5043. Walk-ins are B. shah, M.D. When acid reflux and its associated symptoms continue for an extended period of also welcome. time it’s referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux that is not well controlled March 23 can result in a reduced quality of life. Heels For Hearts Art Auction & Mixer Research has shown that persistent reflux can lead to poor sleep and less physical functioning, in- Heels for Hearts is a fundraising group that supports the Long Beach Memorial Center for Women’s Cardiac Health & Re- cluding being less active, moving slower and sleeping in later. search. The group is scheduled to host a mixer Thursday, March The Reflux Experience 23, from 6-9 p.m. at The Reef at 880 South Harbor Scenic Dr. Acid reflux or GERD can come with a range of additional symptoms, which can vary for each indi- Event attendees can participate in an art auction and learn about important heart issues facing women. Tickets, which in- vidual. clude a complimentary drink and appetizers, cost $25 before • Regurgitation: Food coming back up. This could signify a more serious condition March 10 and $30 after and can be purchased on eventbrite.com • Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach by searching “Project Heart – Heels for Hearts.” • Lump in the throat March 24 • Pain with swallowing: This may indicate a serious condition and should not be treated with over- Katherine White, M.D. Guest Lectureship On Childhood Anxiety the-counter medication Donna Pincus, PhD, director of the Child and Adolescent Fear • Bloating and Anxiety Treatment Program at Boston University, and psy- • Belching chologist Regalena “Reggie” Melroase, PhD, will be the • Chest pain: When chest pain is accompanied by pain in the back, neck, jaw or arms, it could indicate keynote speakers at the 26th Annual Katherine White, M.D., Guest Lectureship. The event will focus on childhood anxiety. a heart condition Light snacks and refreshments will be available. The event is • Coughing: This can be disruptive, dry and persistent scheduled for Friday, March 24, from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Miller • Early fullness: Feeling bloated half way through a meal Children’s & Women’s Hospital at 2801 Atlantic Ave. • Water brash: Sour taste in the back of the mouth Donating Blood During MarchAnd Spin A Wheel Treatment Options For Two Free Tickets To The Laugh Factory Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s & Women’s Lifestyle Modification Hospital is encouraging residents to “donate blood and save a The first step in controlling acid reflux is lifestyle modification. There are several strategies that have life.” During March, the hospitals are offering blood donors an shown to reduce reflux symptoms. opportunity to win two free tickets to the Laugh Factory by spin- • Losing weight for people who are overweight or obese. ning a prize wheel. To schedule an appointment, call the blood • Reducing common food triggers, such as chocolate, coffee, peppermint, greasy or spicy foods, donor center at 562/933-0808. Must be 18 or older. acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus and alcoholic drinks. In order to determine individual triggers, it’s Beginning April 4 important to modify one aspect at a time. Freedom From Smoking • Avoiding late meals. Allow at least three hours to digest food before sleeping. The American Lung Association is scheduled to host its free “Freedom from Smoking” program offered by MemorialCare • Sleeping at an angle. In the absence of an adjustable bed, try raising the head of the bed using blocks. Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center • Quitting smoking. beginning Tuesday, April 4, at 5:30 p.m. According to a press Medications release, the seven-week program includes eight group meetings and features “a step-by-step plan to help tobacco users gain con- While making lifestyle modifications, there are several prescription and over-the-counter medications trol over their behavior and quit smoking.” available to help reduce symptoms. The program includes the meetings, parking and a workbook. • Antacids: Antacids help neutralize stomach acid. These are good for people with less persistent re- Participants must register for the program by Friday, March 31, flux. A doctor should be consulted if symptoms don’t improve after consistent use of antacids. by calling 800/MEMORIAL. Meetings are scheduled to take place at 2810 Long Beach Blvd. in the Todd Cancer Pavilion • Histamine blockers (H2 blockers): H2 blockers provide short-term relief by decreasing acid pro- Group Room on the second floor. duction. These are recommended for mild symptoms. May 13 • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs lower the amount of acid made in the stomach. PPIs are available Cycle To Raise Funds For Pediatric Cancer Research by prescription and over-the-counter, however there are no differences in relief of symptoms between each Tour of Long Beach is hosing a cycling event to raise money type/brand of PPIs. If symptoms don’t improve after several weeks of continued use, consult a physician. for pediatric cancer research at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. The The Burden of Reflux event has four routes, including 30 miles, 62 miles, 100 miles Without lifestyle modification and treatment, GERD also can lead to serious complications, including and a free 5-mile Family Fun Ride. All routes end at the Finish inflammation in the esophagus, problems swallowing and an increased risk for esophageal cancer. Line Festival, which will include live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden and more. While reflux can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Take it one step at a time and start the The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, and is set to conversation between you and your doctor. begin at 6 a.m. at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Linden (Bhavesh B. Shah, M.D., is medical director of interventional gastroenterology at Long Beach Memo- Avenue. To register or donate, visit touroflongbeach.com. For rial, and gastroenterology director at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial) more information, contact Kari Cho at 562/933-1670 or [email protected]. I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 33

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 33 Health Care Quarterly

signing and promulgating the state work- rector’s decision shall be consistent with fix, control, and undoubtedly, to limit the Protecting ers’ compensation system, the California the medical treatment utilization sched- manner of review of decisions rendered Legislature must balance the medical ules adopted pursuant to Labor Code Sec- by the tribunal or tribunals designated by Workers’ Comp needs of injured employees against the tion 5307.27 (f)(2). Therefore, the IMR it, the CalChamber explains in the brief. ever-increasing costs imposed on the sys- process does not come into play until the The CalChamber continues that such a tem and on the employers responsible for utilization review makes a factual deter- policy decision was the Legislature’s to Independent ensuring that injured employees are pro- mination about whether the recommended make in light of the demands on Califor- vided with necessary medical treatment. treatment is medically appropriate. nia’s workers’compensation system, and Medical Review The Legislature designed the IMR This process means IMR is itself an ap- in an effort to avoid the encumbrance of process to increase efficiency for treat- peal, the brief points out. IMR constitutes a time-consuming procedures that lead to

I By HEATHER WALLACE ment disputes and to ensure physicians, second level of fact-finding and medical potentially unfair, inconsistent, and non- Associate General Council, CalChamber not judges, make medical decisions. record review to answer the limited ques- scientifically based medical decisions. The petitioner in this case argues the tion of whether a particular course of treat- Although the petitioner and, admittedly, Oral arguments have been set in a opposite, that instead, a judge must deter- ment is medically appropriate. The IMR the WCAB, may disagree with the effect workers’ compensation case that deals mine whether treatment is medically nec- physician therefore resolves the dispute be- that Section 4610.6 has on the WCAB’s with the constitutionality of the independ- essary, and that the IMR process denies tween the employer’s utilization review and power to change conclusions related to ent medical reviews (IMR) that were part the petitioner his right of due process. the employee’s treating physician. medical necessity, such was the effect ex- of the cost-saving reforms of 2012. Does Not Violate Due Process Other Arguments Refuted pressly intended by the Legislature in en- The oral arguments in the case of The CalChamber brief points out that The petitioner also argued that the acting that section. The Legislature Ramirez v. Workers’ Compensation Ap- the petitioner’s dissatisfaction with the workers’compensation law as outlined in sought to put all such decisions on what is peals Board (WCAB), et al., will be pre- Legislature’s exercise of its constitution- Labor Code Section 4610.6 deprived him necessary medical treatment in the hands sented on March 20 in the Third Appellate ally granted power, set forth in Section 4 of substantial justice and violated the sep- of medical professionals “to ensure that District Court. of Article XIV of the California Constitu- aration of powers clause of the California treatment decisions are consistent and The California Chamber of Commerce tion, falls short of showing that he is de- Constitution. based on the highest standards of evi- filed a friend-of-the-court brief, arguing prived of due process. The CalChamber brief refuted both ar- dence-based medicine,” the brief states. that the Legislature must be allowed to The first step in an IMR begins when guments, pointing out that the workers’ In arguing that the workers’ compensa- exercise its constitutionally granted pow- an employee’s treating physician makes a compensation law is aimed toward achiev- tion law violates the separation of powers ers to address the ever-increasing burdens treatment recommendation. The recom- ing substantial justice expeditiously, inex- clause, the petition wrongly assumed that on California’s workers’ compensation mendation is submitted to the employer’s pensively, and without encumbrance. the law precludes any judicial review of system by ensuring that medical necessity utilization review process for a determi- Although the Legislature may have pre- an IMR decision. In fact, the law provides decisions are consistent, and made by nation of whether to approve, modify, viously provided for a different method five ways in which an applicant may ap- medical professionals. The brief was pre- delay, or deny the recommended treat- and manner of reviewing medical deci- peal an IMR decision, the CalChamber pared for the CalChamber by Ted Penny ment. A medical director designated by sions, this fact does not deem that method brief explains. of Haight Brown & Bonesteel. the employer or insurer reviews all infor- to be the only one that is constitutionally Next Step The CalChamber brief argues that as mation that is “reasonably necessary” to acceptable. Section 4 unambiguously pro- The court has 90 days to issue its ruling part of the difficult responsibility of de- make the determination. The medical di- vides the Legislature with the power to following the March 20 oral arguments. I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 34

Page 34 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Business & Education LBCC Acting President Gabel Talks Priorities And The Search For A Replacement

I By BRANDON RICHARDSON Angeles College; Melinda Nish, Ed.D., ex- Senior Writer ecutive advisor to the president at the Col- lege of the Marshall Islands; and Reagan F. In her two months serving as acting su- Romali, Ph.D., President of Harry S Tru- perintendent-president of Long Beach City man, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. College (LBCC), Ann-Marie Gabel has A campus forum to introduce the final- been continuing the work of her predeces- ists and have them meet face to face with sor through the implementation of the faculty, staff and students, was scheduled school’s recently adopted strategic plan. to be held yesterday, Monday, February 27. In July of last year, it was announced Those in attendance were to be provided evaluation forms to write comments about that then-president Eloy Ortiz Oakley was Photograph of Ann-Marie Gabel named chancellor of the California Com- by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan the finalists. Those forms will be given to the trustees to help in their decision. munity Colleges’ 113-school system. Gabel said her first priority upon assum- The reason for these pathways, according The board will deliberate in closed session Gabel assumed her role as acting presi- ing her new role was to the further ad- to Gabel, is that community college students today, February 28, after its regularly sched- dent in December while the search for a vancement and implementation of the are taking longer to complete what used to uled meeting. However, Gabel said she does permanent replacement began. school’s strategic plan, which was rolled be a two-year degree. According to a 2014 not anticipate they will report out at that time “I was really more honored and looked at out last fall. To do this, she has been over- report by Campaign for College Opportu- and may require a special meeting. A final it as a privilege that the board had enough seeing the application process for grants nity, some students are taking more than confidence in me to be the acting superin- and awards to help fund various programs. four years to earn their associate’s degree. decision is expected in late March or early tendent-president,” Gabel said. “I really deem “We just received notification that the Gabel said she will also be sitting in on the April after all negotiations are finalized, with it as an honor, and I’m really enjoying it.” state intends to award $750,000 to us for final interviews for new faculty members, the expectation that the new president will Gabel earned a bachelor’s degree in busi- a Promise Innovation award to help us something she never did in her previous posi- take over on July 1, according to Gabel. ness administration with an emphasis in ac- continue with our Promise Pathways pro- tion. She explained that faculty are an invest- “I think [the new president] needs to un- counting from California State University, gram,” Gabel said. “There were only 14 ment because they often spend an entire career derstand community colleges, specifically Fullerton and a master’s degree in educational colleges in the state that received an at the school and that it’s an important decision California community colleges,” Gabel management from University of La Verne. award. So I’m pretty proud of that.” for an acting president to be a part of. said. “A good communicator, a good lis- After college, Gabel spent seven years as a Additionally, Gabel said the administration “I’m learning different aspects of the col- tener. Someone who truly values the mis- CPA auditing K-12 schools and community is working on several innovation awards to re- lege. I think it’s just looking at things sion of community colleges.” college districts. From there, she spent seven ceive grant funding geared toward the through a different lens. I’m enjoying that,” She said lessening the time students spend years as the manager of fiscal affairs for the school’s guided pathways initiatives. She ex- Gabel said. “I’m having more interactions in community college by continuing the im- North Orange County Community College plained that applying for these grants is im- with students, which is refreshing.” plementation of the strategic plan should be District and two years as the associate vice portant to offset costs and jumpstart the While Gabel continues her work as acting the top priority of the new president, as it is chancellor of fiscal affairs for the Rancho guided pathways portion of the strategic plan. president, the search for a permanent pres- hers. However, until the new president takes Santiago Community College District. “When we say guided pathways, what we ident continues. There were 31 applicants the reigns, Gabel said she will continue to In 2007, Gabel accepted the position of want to do is . . . [create] so-called roadmaps for the position, which were whittled down work in the best interest of school. vice president of administrative services at for students,” Gabel said. “Starting in high to nine candidates for the first-round inter- “I hope it makes me a stronger vice pres- LBCC, a position she held for nine and a school and going all the way through the Cal views; however, one person dropped out. ident when I go back, and I think it will,” half years before taking over as acting pres- State Long Beach, what are the courses you Of the eight candidates, the LBCC Board Gabel said. “Having other friends through- ident. Once a new president is hired, Gabel need to take in order to get the instruction of Trustees chose the following five final- out the state who have held my position and said she will resume the duties of her pre- and degrees for your career of choice. It will ists: Tod A. Burnett, Ed.D., president of have done the acting superintendent-presi- vious position, which included most busi- just make it a little bit easier for students to Saddleback College; Otto W.K. Lee, Ed.D., dent [job], they’ve expressed that it does ness aspects such as the budget, payroll and determine what classes they need to take in president of Los Angeles Harbor College; make you stronger because you do have a the construction program. order to meet their educational goal.” Marvin Martinez, president of East Los little bit different perspective.” I Educators Respond To Confirmation Of Westerly School Head of School Patrick Brown “It is unclear whether Betsy Devos has the background knowledge, temperament, and connections to public education officials to be successful serving the entire spectrum of educational delivery systems in Betsy Devos As Secretary Of Education our country. Clearly, she has a strong connection and understanding of public school al- ternatives such as charter schools, and is an advocate for school choice and voucher sys- The Long Beach Business Journal asked several local educators: How tems. Choice is one reason non-profit independent schools like Westerly exists in Long do you think having Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education will impact Beach. Long Beach Unified is also an advocate for Choice for families when it comes to your educational institution? Responding were: California State University their children’s education. Choice alone as demonstrated by underperforming Charter Chancellor Timothy White; Long Beach City College Acting President- schools does not guarantee a strong school. Superintendent Ann-Marie Gabel; Westerly School Head of School Patrick Brown; and Uni- I believe the Secretary’s role should be to strengthen all educational platforms, so all versal Technical Institute’s Long Beach Campus President Larry Hohl. The Business Journal students in America can receive high quality whole-child education. Every family should did not hear back from the Teachers Association of Long Beach. be informed about their education options to find the right environment for their children. CSU Chancellor Timothy White: “As the largest and most diverse public uni- We hope under the new Secretary, she will promote informed decision making and a better versity system in the United States, the California State University looks forward to in- partnership between family and schools.” forming the current administration and congress on the mission, vision and values of this UTI Campus President, Long Beach Larry Hohl “At Universal Technical institution, while joining with our higher education partners in California and nationally Institute (UTI), we believe that there are many pathways to career success. While time in advocating for our students and university communities. will tell how having Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education will impact our cam- We look forward to finding common ground and new opportunities to achieve many puses, we do know one thing: Now is the time to change the way we think about education. of our bipartisan goals, including the reinstatement of year-round Pell grants. Indeed, the It’s important that parents acknowledge and embrace when kids are inclined toward a CSU firmly believes that we can achieve great things when united under a shared spirit non-traditional path. Today, a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and common goal. Our 475,000 students, 47,000 faculty and staff and 3.3 million alumni is critical because the available jobs in STEM-based occupations such as computer sci- prove this correct every day. ence, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and automotive and diesel technicians across As we work to provide all students with access to high-quality, consequential higher the U.S. far outpace the number of qualified candidates to fill them. This leaves many education and a lifetime of success, the CSU will always stand committed to its founding employers unable to find the quality workforce they need, a situation that ultimately affects mission and core values of opportunity, diversity and quality. We look forward to finding the Long Beach economy and beyond. solutions and success for public higher education in the years ahead.” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos supports STEM curriculum, strong student LBCC Acting Superintendent-President Ann-Marie Gabel: “We were outcomes, proven best practices and educational choice – and that is encouraging. encouraged by Secretary DeVos’ comments at the Association of Community College At UTI, we embrace this new leadership as an opportunity to show how our strong industry Trustees conference last week, where she voiced support for the mission and value of com- partnerships with automotive, diesel, and collision employers help shape our student outcomes munity colleges. LBCC is hopeful that she will be supportive, as the previous administra- and STEM-based curriculum. This model, and our commitment to excellence, is credited with tion was, of free community college and other reforms that would make higher education helping 88 percent of our students land an industry job within one year of graduating. more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans. We will seek opportunities to Our model aligns with Secretary DeVos’ emphasis to ensure each student is prepared brief Secretary DeVos and her staff on the success of the Long Beach College Promise, as for an in-demand, rewarding and well-paying career, and we look forward to working with we have done with other educational leaders throughout California and the nation.” the new administration.” I 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 35 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 36 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 37

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 37 Business & Education

PCU’s program prepares students to pass the first time they take it to adequately Pacific Coast the bar and enter any field of law with the study,” Carmona explained. This is because exception of patent law, which requires ad- PCU students typically work full time and University Of Law ditional training. Many graduates work in have families, so they cannot afford to take service fields of law such as workers’ time off from their busy lives to study ade- Celebrates comp, but a fair share also work in public quately right after finishing law school. defenders’ offices, Carmona said. “We have implemented a number of pro- Classes at PCU are small. Its largest grad- grams to help our students try to get the 90 Years uating class consisted of 52 people, Carmona tools to pass from here on out,” she added. Historic Local School Continues estimated. “That was the second class that “My top priority is to make sure that stu- entered after the Great Recession [2007],” dents are getting a quality education and Tradition Of Affordable Education she said. There are two tracks per class year, that anything that might be impeding them, so classroom sizes are small, she noted. be it personal or institutional, is addressed I By SAMANTHA MEHLINGER Following the recession, the university ex- in the proper manner,” Carmona said. Assistant Editor perienced a surge of small business owners “Right now, our greatest plan is to make enrolling at the school. “What we witnessed sure that our educational program is the That Long Beach has a law school comes the year after 2009 [was that] a large number best that it can be and that our graduates as a surprise to many locals. Located on the of our applicants were small business people are prepared to go pass the bar and enter third floor of an office building just outside who were fearful that their business and in- the legal profession,” she explained. Even- the Traffic Circle, perhaps it’s no wonder Maren Carmona is dean of students at Pacific Coast come might dry up,” Carmona said. These tually, she hopes the school obtains its own that the 90-year-old Pacific Coast Univer- University Law School. (Photograph by the Business individuals felt that becoming lawyers building or structure, but she said PCU sity of Law flies under the radar. But its sto- Journal’s Larry Duncan) would provide job stability, she explained. would stay at 1650 Ximeno Ave., Suite 300, ried history, notable alumni, diverse student Funding for the school comes in the form of “The past year or two we have seen our ap- for at least another five years. body and dedication to affordability tell a student tuition, which is collected on a pay- plication pool shrink a bit, but it’s more in line “It’s amazing that we managed to reach story of a university with staying power – as-you-go basis, according to Carmona. with what we traditionally received, which is 90 years and produce attorneys that are a story Dean of Students Maren Carmona Funding primarily pays for staff and instruc- people all over the spectrum,” Carmona said. wildly successful and do amazing things. hopes will become increasingly known tors’ salaries, as well as rent for the facility. While bar passage rates among PCU And that we still remain the best kept secret within the Long Beach community. “We have a prudent reserve which is graduates fluctuates, the last administration in Long Beach,” Carmona said. Pacific Coast University was founded in enough to perform what we would call a of the bar exam was disappointing, accord- Pacific Coast University of Law is hold- Los Angeles in 1927 as a collection of teach-out if something were to happen and ing to Carmona. This is not uncommon, ing a formal gala on May 6 to celebrate its schools in business, architecture, divinity the school were to close. We would have to however. For the past three years running, 90th anniversary, raise funds for scholar- and law. During the Great Depression, all finish graduating all of our students,” Car- fewer than half of those who took the Cal- ships and honor local graduates. City At- but the law school shut down, according to mona said. “We never anticipate that hap- ifornia Bar Exam passed it, according to torney Charles Parkin will receive an award Carmona. “The law school survived, and it pening, but that is at least the prudent abovethelaw.com. Last year, 43% passed, named for William Ross, while City Audi- moved to Long Beach,” she said. amount that any school should maintain.” which was a 32-year low. tor Laura Doud will receive an award The law school’s founding dean, Carl Due to its affordability and night-class “Our students don’t always pass the Cal- named for Kathleen Parker. Mayor Robert Manson, kept the school going through an- scheduling, PCU is what Carmona calls an ifornia bar exam on the first try for a num- Garcia will be awarded an honorary juris other tumultuous period: World War II. “opportunity law school,” meaning that it ber of reasons. The single most reason is doctorate degree for his commitment to ed- “Dean Manson kept the school going, and is accessible to underserved communities. that they generally don’t have time before ucation in the City of Long Beach. I he ran it out of his garage during World Most, if not all, PCU students have full- War II,” Carmona recounted. “He taught all time employment. Many also have fami- of the classes.” Manson remained dean for lies, Carmona noted. 40 years. Irving Schleimer, a member of Carmona was one such PCU student. She the faculty, became dean in 1981. He was had planned to pursue a dual master’s degree succeeded by Dean William Lewis. in history and library sciences, but chose to Dean Andrea Lua (who is Carmona’s sis- enroll at PCU when her husband, a longshore ter) now leads the university, along with worker, was seriously injured on the job. “His Dean of Academic Standards Sherry Dia- career possibilities didn’t look like they mond and Carmona. would be that great,” she said. The same day PCU has always operated as a night school Carmona started school at PCU, her daughter and for much of its history rented out space had her first day of kindergarten class. at Wilson High School after hours, according After graduating, Carmona eventually to Carmona. In 2000, the school’s board took a position as an instructor at the made the decision to acquire a library and es- school. She later took a position on the tablish its own facility in order to take steps board before taking on her role as a dean. to become accredited. “All those changes “We probably have the most diverse stu- were made and the school grew, and we ac- dent body of any law school in the country. quired accreditation in 2012,” Carmona said. Last year one of our graduates was 81, and Previous deans had not pursued accredi- we had another graduate in her early 20s,” tation. Schleimer, for example, was “a Carmona noted. Since it was founded, a feisty man,” Carmona, who studied at PCU large share of the law school’s student under Schleimer, recalled. “He wanted to body has been women. “I believe currently stay unaccredited. He liked the freedom of our student population is more than half doing whatever we wanted and the ‘stick it women,” she said. to the man’ type of thing.” The first female California Superior Court There have been debates among the Cal- Judge, Kathleen Parker, was a graduate of ifornia legal community over the years PCU, as was one of the first African-Ameri- about whether to allow unaccredited law can court judges in Southern California, schools to operate, so when Lewis took William Ross, according to Carmona. over operation of the university, accredita- PCU’s students come from throughout tion seemed like the prudent step to take, Southern California because of the univer- Carmona recounted. sity’s affordability and its location central Pacific Coast University of Law has al- to Los Angeles and Orange County. “We ways operated as a nonprofit. In part be- are probably the best situated of the Cali- cause of its financial structure and in part fornia bar examiner schools because we are because of the school’s mission, it has re- right in the center,” Carmona said. mained affordable. “Our mission statement The university’s staff of 25 faculty mem- is that we are to provide a quality legal edu- bers includes new and established attor- cation at an affordable price,” Carmona said. neys, a commissioner in a superior court, “We are, of the California Bar examiner an administrative law judge, injury attor- schools, the cheapest statewide,” she said. neys, public defenders and more. 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 38

Page 38 • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Long Beach Business Journal Small Business Showcase – Wardlow Road West Of LB Airport Roxanne’s Cocktail Lounge & Latin Grill Roxanne’s Cocktail Lounge & Latin Grill first opened at 1115 E. Wardlow Rd. six years ago when the Molina familyed – who had previously tried other business ventures – decid they wanted to create Long Beach’s next go-to hang out. The concept was centered on a passion for cocktails, according to co-owner Roberto Molina. “It’s a complete passion and art, just like food,” he said of cocktail making. Roxanne’s menu is influenced by the family’s roots in Central America, Molina said. “For example, we have our really popular fa- mous wings are the tamarindo wings,” he said. The menu also features other small plates like sliders and empanadas. “We also made it so we are a night life spot. license . . . Weas well,” have anMolina en- tertainment license and a dancing said. A secret door inside Roxanne’s leads to a hidden bar called The Exhibition Room – a venture the Molina’s started to appeal to clientele entrenched in the spirits scene of Long Beach. The Exhibit Room also serves as a mini museum to Long Beach bar history. Last year, Roxanne’s began operat- ing a “bar on wheels” at events around the city. Molina also hopes to soon open another concept within Roxanne’s. rto, The Molina family, pictured from left: Chris, Robe Mirna and Robert.

L.B. Walker Automotive The auto repair industry is in Sal Lombardi’s blood. In 1978, at the age of 14, he moved with his family from Montreal, Canada, to Southern California, where his father owned a 76 gas station in Long Beach until 1992. Following a string of jobs and several moves, Lombardi was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After several rounds of chemotherapy, Lombardi found himself in remission and reinvig- orated by the auto repair industry, which ultimately led him to opening L.B. Walker Automotive at 1000 E. Wardlow Rd. in Long Beach at the beginning of 2015. “This area is really very quiet, great people. It’s friendly, never an issue with any cus- tomers,” Lombardi said. “It feels like when we were in business at the 76 station. People have that trust with you. It’s great. I just love it.” The shop has four employ- ees, including Lombardi, and offers a range of services from car restorations to oil changes. Lombardi prides himself on customer service but said it’s not the only thing that sets his location apart from others. “[We offer a] clean shop and good, honest repairs. Customers tell us our work is done right the first time and that they feel at home each time they come here,” Lombardi said. “I love that. That’s why we have a good customer base.” Lakeview Lock Shope Solomon Barnes started Lakeview Lock Shop at 913 E. Wardlow Rd. in 2000, and spread the word by canvassing the neighborhood with a backpack full of flyers. Now, after 17 years in business, he is well known in the community. “I know most everybody in the neighborhood and everywhere I go, somebody knows me in Long Beach,” Barnes said. “It’s like a home away from home,” he reflected. “I am part of the community now, I have been around here so long.” Barnes previously worked in the employee assistance program at McDonnell Douglas. He stumbled into the locksmith trade by happenstance when he went to get a key made and formed a con- nection with the owner, whom he helped join a substance abuse program. Barnes took a liking to the locksmith field and interned with the business. “Then McDon- nell Douglas sold to Boeing and they said I had to have a degree for that position I had, so I said, ‘I might as well open me a shop,’” he recalled. “Business has been good to me,” Barnes said. Barnes has been good to the community, too. He is well known in the community for his charitable work distributing toys at Christmastime, as well as his work with substance abuse programs, he said.

Chiropractic Neurology Center Chiropractic Neurology Center (CNC) opened the doors to its new digs at 1225 E. Wardlow Rd. in January after moving from their previous location in Bixby Knolls. Mar- ried couple Dr. Shad Groves and Dr. Karin Kim first opened their business in 2000 after moving from the Bay Area. Both are chiropractors, with Groves specializing in chiro- practic neurology and Kim in family health and overall wellness. The two moved to Long Beach in 2000 after Groves, an Army veteran, finished his education. “We didn’t know anything about Long Beach when we moved here,” Groves recalled, noting that the two considered locations all over Southern California. “I ended up choosing the Long Beach office. . . . And it was very low rent and right off the freeway,” he recalled. The two also loved the “big city, small town” vibe Long Beach is known for. “For the first couple of years in practice we had to advertise because nobody knew us,” Groves said. “We had to go out to the public and meet them. . . . Now we have a small enough reputation where we just generate referrals.” In addition to offering chiropractic services, CNC employs two massage therapists and an acupuncturist also rents space within the office. Groves is often referred unique neurological cases due to his specialty. 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:20 PM Page 39

Long Beach Business Journal • February 28-March 13, 2017 • Page 39 Small Business Showcase – Wardlow Road West Of LB Airport This edition of Small Business Showcase focuses on businesses located on Articles by Assistant Editor Samantha Mehlinger Wardlow Road from Cherry Avenue on the east, past the historic California and Senior Writer Brandon Richardson. Heights neighborhood – where homes were first built in the 1920s – and the Photographs by the Business Journal’s Larry Duncan southern edges of Bixby Knolls. The street includes professional service busi- nesses, medical offices, small retailers, restaurants and bars, coffee houses and auto repair firms, nearly all of which are in one- and two-story buildings. Support Local Small Businesses Choice Medical Supplies Charles Ume established Choice Medical Supplies, a full-service durable medical equipment company, in Inglewood in 2001. In June 2005, he relocated the business to 800 E. Wardlow Rd. in Long Beach. “[We moved because] Long Beach is a much better business environ- ment and also because Long Beach was the center of our insurance and patient population,” Ume said. “It’s been terrific because we’ve grown year after year, and Long Beach makes it a lot easier for us to do business because of the access to the freeways.” The store sells med- ical supplies, big and small, from hospital beds to catheters. Doctors refer patients to Choice Medical when they are discharged and need supplies for their homes and everyday living. Mobility needs are com- mon, according to Ume, who said the store carries all types of wheel- chairs and can even customize them. Many of the store’s clients are referred by doctors at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and through Seaside Health Plan. St. Mary Medical Center has also re- cently begun referring more patients, according to Ume. “We’re really excited about the work we do. We have a lot of phenomenal doctors in Long Beach that trust us to take care of their patients,” Ume said. “We are looking to stay in Long Beach and do a lot more and grow.” Pictured from left: Ricardo Angulo, patient services coordinator (PSC); Margarita Melchor, biller; Emanuel Sanchez, PSC; Colin Mativo, vice president and chief operating officer; Gilbert Aquino, PSC; Kevin Ortiz, technician; and Bing Parungao, lead and government services. Mac’s Barbershop After being laid off from his Job at McDonnell Douglas, to become a barber. “An old Mac McCormack decided friend of mine was barbering, and he had a shop in Orange, Jake’s Barbershop,” McCormack said. “Ind liked got mywhat license.” he was doing, so I ended up going to school a r- In 1996, McCormack began cutting hair at Cameron’s Ba fornia Heights neighbor- bershop in Long Beach’s Cali for lease around the hood. The next year, he found a space corner at 915 E. Wardlow Rd. and decided to open up his own shop. Mac’s Barbershop opened on January 5, 1998. McCormick is the only person who works at the one-chair shop, which he said has customers from all walks of life. He explained that he’s had a consistent clientele, losing some when companies such as Boeing or Toyota moved operations but gaining new clients throughout the years. “I love the area. It’s great. Back when I worked at the other barbershop and was looking for a place, it had that old- time feeling of a small community, like Mayberry,” Mc- Cormick said. “I love what I do. I love the customers that come in. I appreciate past and present customers that have supported Mac’s Barbershop.”

that should be harnessed in a business partnership. As you’re developing your business plan, Small Business Dollars & Sense take time to identify your respective strengths and passions, and divvy up the business op- erations from there. Make sure to clearly outline and document the agreed-upon company structure, responsibilities for each role and each individual’s ownership stake. Tips For Being In Business With A Loved One Commit to regularly revisiting your business plan to ensure the structure is still working, and adjust roles as needed. A well-thought-out, updated business plan will help keep busi- wning a small business with your spouse is both challenging and ness owners focused on company goals and objectives, and track their progress. Orewarding. While running a small business in itself is no small feat, Put in place a suitable exit strategy adding a partnership to the equation brings another layer of complexity. One area of business operations that is frequently overlooked is the exit strategy. Wind- Work spills into family time and roles can become blurred. With proper ing down is a crucial stage of the business lifecycle and something that should be ad- planning, challenges can turn to successes. To help ensure your profes- dressed from inception. This is especially true when owning a business with your loved sional partnership is as successful as your romantic one, here are three one, as emotions can sometimes get in the way of tough business decisions. Included in considerations: your business plan, this strategy should outline what will happen if one partner decides By Ben Know before you go to leave the business to pursue other opportunities, or there is a need to close the business AlvArAdo Ignorance is never bliss. It’s important to understand, and be comfort- for other reasons. A financial advisor or tax advisor is a great resource to help establish able with where your partner stands financially, so there aren’t any sur- a plan that works for you. prises when it comes time to obtain business financing. Does your partner have a strong One final tip for couples in business together is to take time for each other outside of the credit profile? Do they carry any debt? How do they feel about utilizing credit to start, business. Most small business owners will tell you that the line between work and home is run and grow the business? These are all important questions to ask each other early on. fuzzy, and this applies even more to couples who work together. Try to keep business con- There are many free online tools to help explore financing including Wells Fargo Works versations to business hours, and carve out time away from work to do things that you love. for Small Business. Many couples who have found success will tell you that the benefits of being in business Define roles and responsibilities together are worth it. By laying the proper foundation in the beginning, owning a business It’s important to define roles and responsibilities in every business partnership, particularly with your loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience. for couples who operate a business together. The old adage “opposites attract” can often (Ben Alvarado, a 26-year veteran of Wells Fargo, is the president of the bank’s So. Calif. mean that each person brings a unique set of skills and strengths to a relationship, something Region, which stretches from Long Beach to Orange, Imperial and San Diego counties.) 1_LBBJ_Feb28_2017_LBBJ 2/25/17 6:04 PM Page 40