Grand Prix Coming to Town
Volume 8 Number 2 March/April 2013
MAGAZINE Community & Television Show News
STRAIGHT TALK
Watch Anytime
www.StraightTalkTV.com
New Congressman on Straight Talk
Alan Lowenthal
U.S. Congressman
47th C.D.
Newly-elected U.S. Congressman Alan
Lowenthal joins host Art Levine on Straight
Talk for his first extended television inter-
view since taking office.
The Congressman was elected on November 6, 2012 and was
sworn into office on January 3, 2013. He has been appointed to
the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Com-
mittee on Natural Resources. He previously served as State
Senator, State Assemblyman and Long Beach City Council-
man.
Alan is a trained psychologist who formerly was a professor
for 28 years at CSULB. Throughout his political career, he has
been known for his ability to reach out and try to find common
ground on controversial issues, a talent sorely needed in
Washington today.
For example, while in the State Senate he introduced
legislation for re-districting reform that had little initial support
from either party. He stayed with the issue, generated support
and eventually got it passed into law.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Ethics and Politics
Leslie Gore at Palm Springs Follies
Renaissance Faire Opens April 6
Jewels of the Night Coming April 27
Around Town Photo Spread
Photo Focus: Aquatic Capital of America
Guest Column by Dr. Craig Smith
Sponsor Spotlight on Performance Plus
T he 39th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is
coming to town Friday through Sunday April 19-21.
The race is Long Beach’s annual “Spring Break” party and is
expected to attract more than 170,000
fans over the 3-day weekend.
The featured race is Sunday after-
noon’s IZOD IndyCar Series event
which will draw an international field
of world class drivers expected to
include defending Series champion
Ryan Hunter-Reay, four-time Series
champ Dario Franchitti, defending
Long Beach winner Will Power, Helio
Castroneves, Graham Rahal, Marco
Andretti, and Scott Dixon. The Series
will have cars with turbocharged engines supplied by Honda
and Chevrolet.
Other races over the weekend include the American Le Mans
Series Race, the Firestone Indy Lights, the Pirelli World
Challenge Championship, and the Super Drift Challenge.
A fan favorite is always the Toyota
Pro-Celebrity Race to be run on
Saturday, April 20. The race pits stars
from the worlds of sports and enter-
tainment against professional drivers
in identically prepared Scion FR-S
vehicles.
Music is an important attraction during
the weekend, beginning with the
Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert
featuring Moderatto and Moenia and
continuing with Saturday’s Rock-N
-Roar Concert with Bret Michaels. (Continued on page 3)
Congressman Lowenthal will be our guest on the Straight
Talk Show airing the weeks of March 16 & March 23.
Title Sponsor Title Sponsor
www.charter.com
www.ictlongbeach.org 2300 E. Ocean Blvd
Page 2 Straight Talk Magazine
www.gazettes.com
forbiddencitylongbeach.com
Thought of the Month
Peter Drucker
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the
right things.”
greenhillsmemorial.com
1045 Atlantic Ave.
Office of
Leonard P. Cutuli, D.D.S.
Providing the finest in dental care
cerritosacura.com
5716 East 2nd Street
Ethics and Politics
T he current dysfunctional government at the
national and state level is of great concern
to many citizens. Seeing our elected representa-
tives at loggerheads and unable or unwilling to
respond to the wishes of a majority of the elec-
torate is a source of increasing frustration.
How about applying to politics the widely ac-
cepted ethical principles which we try to follow
in our daily lives? Principles such as honesty,
integrity, accountability, fairness, transpar-
ency and promise-keeping. Imagine how the
application of these principles could transform
the political arena. The current gulf between
accepted principles and political behavior is cer-
tainly one of the reasons that politicians are held
in such low regard.
Many political practices offend the notion of
common sense and fairness. The “gut and
amend” practice of substituting one bill for an-
other at the very last moment and then having a
vote without any hearings and without even giv-
ing legislators a chance to read the bill defies
logic. The misuse of the filibuster in the Senate
makes it impossible for a simple majority to en-
act legislation on any matter of importance.
Gerrymandered districts in effect allow the
political parties to pick their voters rather than
having the voters elect their representatives. The
misuse of emergency relief bills, such as for
Hurricane Sandy, as a convenient vehicle to load
with pork and carry legislators’ pet projects
without hearings or adequate review is unsup-
portable. And the role of money in the political
process needs re-examination.
Is it not time for re-districting reform, as recent-
ly enacted in California, to spread to other
states? Is it not time to change the Senate rules
to limit the misuse of the filibuster? Shouldn’t
emergency relief bills be restricted to appropria-
tions that directly respond to the emergency?
Shouldn’t we at least have immediate and full
disclosure of all campaign contributions by the
true donor (not just some “front committee”) so
that voters will know who is really behind a can-
didate?
These and other needed reforms would be good
starting points to create a government worthy of
the people it represents. Ultimately, the entire
social contract is based upon an implied agree-
ment between the people and our leaders. We
entrust those who govern us with an immense
amount of authority and power, and they need to
exercise that power ethically and in the public
interest.
History teaches us that a society which becomes
corrupt will ultimately fail. The basic values of
America, as embodied in the Constitution and
the Declaration of Independence, are too im-
portant to us and the world to allow America to
fail. We need to start righting the ship of state.
5021 E. Anaheim St.
citibank.com
Your Ad
Could Be Here
Art Levine, Publisher
longbeachcomber.com
4606 East 2nd Street
www.gplb.com
Watch Anytime: www.StraightTalkTV.com Page 3
190 Marina Drive
5800 East 2nd Street 3910 Cherry Avenue 3490 Long Beach Blvd
www.polb.com
5011 East 2nd Street
5856 E. Naples Plaza
Leslie Gore at Palm Springs Follies
www.lbwater.org
scanhealthplan.com
I n 1963, a 16-year-old high school junior rec-
orded a song that instantly became the anthem
for a generation of teenage girls. It’s My Party
was Lesley Gore’s very first recording, and
rocketed to the top of the charts, reaching #1 and
selling over one million copies. On March 12,
2013, she makes her long awaited return to the
Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, playing through
May 19, 2013.
Born in New York City in 1946 and raised in
Tenafly, New Jersey, Gore was discovered by
famed record producer Quincy Jones. Her first
smash hit was quickly followed by a string of
other Jones-produced chart-toppers, including
That’s The Way Boys Are and Judy’s Turn To
Cry. Her proto-feminist anthem You Don’t Own
Me held the #2 spot on the charts for four weeks.
The Palm Springs Follies cele-
brate the music and dance of
Mid-Century America with a
cast ranging in age from 54 to 83
years “young”. The Follies
feature Broadway-caliber pro-
duction numbers and play five days a week
through late May.
The show is housed in the historic Plaza
Theatre, a charming neon encrusted old movie
house in downtown Palm Springs, which is an
attraction unto itself. During its 22 seasons, the
Follies have been seen by nearly three million
patrons.
For tickets or further information, please call
(760) 327-0225 or visit www.psfollies.com.
www.musical.org
Grand Prix (continued from page 1)
An all-new Super DRIFT Challenge competi-
tion will take place Friday and Saturday nights--
the first time any racing activity has been pre-
sented under the lights at Long Beach.
Expected to feature 16 of the sport’s top cars
and drivers, including 2012 series champ Daigo
Saito, Frederic Aasbo, Conrad Grunewald,
Ken Gushi and Tyler McQuarrie. Qualifying
runs will take place Friday night, and the com-
petition rounds will run Saturday night.
The Lifestyle Expo, free to all race attendees,
features more than 130 exhibitors offering the
latest products and services in automotive, trav-
el, home improvement, fitness and recreation.
The Green Power Prix View, part of the popu-
lar Lifestyle Expo, will feature weekend-long
displays of alternative energy vehicles and a
wide variety of renewable energy sources. An
expanded Family Fun Zone is part of this
year’s weekend.
Attending to visitors all weekend long are the
“Redcoats”, members of the Committee of 300
who volunteer their time manning the grand-
stands and making guests feel particularly
welcome. The C300 Paddock Club is a perfect
place to watch the race and enjoy food and
entertainment all weekend long. For Paddock
Club reservations, call (562) 981-9200.
For race tickets or further information, visit
www.gplb.com or call 1 (888) 82-SPEED.
Race CEO Jim Michaelian and Formula Drift
President Jim Liaw will be our guests on
Straight Talk.
A Special Edition of Straight Talk on the Toyota
Grand Prix of Long Beach will air the weeks of
March 30 and April 6.
Your Ad
Could Be Here
Page 4 Straight Talk Magazine
International Sustainability Expert on Straight Talk Dr. Alexander Redlein
Professor of Real Estate
and Facility Management
Vienna University of Technology
International expert Dr. Alexander Redlein
joins us on Straight Talk direct from Vienna,
Austria to discuss the growing importance of
sustainability in global business strategy.
Professor Redlein is visiting America in connection with the
Facility Fusion Conference of the International Facilities
Management Association (IFMA) in Los Angeles April 2-4.
His presentation, entitled “The Future of the Office Build-
ing”, deals with the growing trend towards sustainability and
mixed-use buildings.
The concept of sustainability and its corollary - the triple
bottom line of people, planet and profit - has increasingly
taken root as the guiding light for businesses across the globe.
For more information about the IFMA or the Facility
Fusion Conference, call (713) 623-4362 or visit
www.ifma.org.
Dr. Alexander Redlein is a university professor for Real
Estate and Facility Management at the Vienna University of
Technology, president of REUG and past president of IFMA
Austria. He is also an executive board member of EuroFM.
Professor Redlein has been engaged in research, education
and consultancy in the area of FM for almost 20 years. He is
head of the Centre for Real Estate and Facility Management
(IFM) at the Vienna University of Technology, which con-
sists of 15 researchers in the field of Facility and Real Estate
Management
Beside his research activities, he is responsible for technology
transfer between the university and CEE companies. In
numerous projects he acted as a strategic advisor, set up FM
concepts for international companies and optimized their FM
processes, ICT and space management. As a researcher he
conducted international studies about the status quo of FM in
CEE and about the value added by FM. In the area of sustain-
ability he analyses CSR reports and their impact on facility
and real estate management. In addition, he heads a MBA for
FM at the Vienna University of Technology and several FM
certification courses in CEE and also India.
Alex Redlein will be our guest on the Straight Talk Show
airing the weeks of April 27 & May 4.
BIO
Renaissance Faire Opens April 6
Watch Anytime: www.StraightTalkTV.com Page 5
“Sir Francis Drake”
Renaissance Pleasure Faire
The Original Renaissance Pleasure
Faire returns to
Southern California
on Saturday, April
6 and runs seven
weekends through
May 19. The Faire
is located at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation
Center in the City of Irwindale. Hours are
10am to 7pm.
This year, the Faire is celebrating its 51st
Anniversary. Join in the fun at The Ultimate
Party! More than 1200 costumed performers
bring Shakespeare’s England to life with pa-
rades, pageants and perfectly delightful
townsfolk offering continuous entertainment
of an international variety spread throughout
the village.
Cirque du Soleil acrobats, juggling jokers and jesters, willful
wenches and jousting knights are ready to celebrate.
Thirteen stages of non-stop entertainment come alive, featur-
ing such favorites as the beloved MooNiE and the Wash
Well Wenches. In addition, 150 craft booths, hand-powered
rides and games are waiting to delight you.
Whether you thirst for a hearty English ale or a fine wine,
whether you hunger for a turkey leg or a
chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, over
100 gourmet foods and a dozen delicious
drinks are tempting your taste buds to give
them a try. Twenty-three food vendors offer
an array of foods from fish and chips and sau-
sages to salads and sorbets.
Back again is the popular Food Truck
Army, with a delightful assortment of addi-
tional foods including exquisite crepes, Asian
cuisine and adult styled grilled cheese.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children
ages 5-12 (children 4 and under are free with
paid adult). Vehicle entry fee to the Recrea-
tion Area is $10. Parking is free.
For more information or tickets go to www.renfair.com or
call (626) 969-4750.
“Sir Francis Drake” will be our guest on the Straight Talk
kShow airing the weeks of April 13 & April 20.
Page 6 Straight Talk Magazine
Jewels of the Night
Watch Anytime: www.StraightTalkTV.com Page 7
T he 19th Annual Jewels of the Night will be held on
Saturday, April 27 starting at 5pm in the Walter
Pyramid.
The event is hosted by the 49er Athletic Club. It is the larg-
est fundraiser of the year for the Long Beach State Athletic
Department and benefits 49er Student-Athlete Scholarships.
Jewels of the Night combines a night
of dining on cuisine from some of
Long Beach’s most popular restaurants
with the opportunity to bid on great
prizes in both a live and silent auction.
More than 20 of Long Beach’s best
restaurants will be on hand to serve
their most famous dishes in an energet-
ic and classy setting, complete with
wine tastings, a piano bar and live entertainment.
The expected 1,000 guests will have the opportunity to pur-
chase once-in-a-lifetime items and experiences during the
evening. Auction items include meet-and-greets with former
Dirtbags and current Major League Baseball stars, trips to
memorable destinations around the world and other great
prizes such as Les Robbins’ beautiful Alaskan wildlife pho-
tographs. All proceeds go directly towards the financial sup-
port of the more than 300 Long Beach State student-athletes.
The Jewels of the Night committee is headed by Judy
Black, the most recent Woman of the Year for the Rick-
Rackers. She has set expectations high, and has assembled a
committee set to pursue the goal of “Championships
Through Scholarships.”
According to 49er Athletic sources,
Black has compiled a team whose
solid foundation is built via represen-
tation from the essential areas of
Long Beach. Drawing from the
greater Long Beach community, a
base of strong local alumni and
numerous faculty, staff and coaches,
Black’s diverse group provides
valuable knowledge, leadership and experience that when
brought together should make this a fantastic event. With an
array of unique auction items up for bid, delectable food
from area eateries, and enjoyable live entertainment, this is
an ideal and enjoyable way to support 49er Athletics.
For advance reservations and sponsorship opportunities,
call (562) 985-7441. For more information, visit
www.jewelsofthenight.com.
LB Police Foundation Holds VIP Reception
N early 100 people attended the VIP Reception of the
Long Beach Police Foundation on Feb. 7 at the law
offices of Keesal, Young & Logan. Cocktails and delicious
appetizers were generously hosted by KYL at the beautiful
venue, with the spectacular view.
Chair of the Fundraising Campaign
and Master of Ceremonies Art
Levine, introduced inspiring guest
speakers including: Long Beach
Police Foundation President Daniel
Walker; Long Beach Chief of Police
Jim McDonnell; Long Beach City
Prosecutor Doug Haubert; Keesal,
Young & Logan Partner and former
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark
Greenberg. The audience was
moved tremendously by the impel-
ling stories that were shared.
Kareem Ahmed was honored for his generous gift to the
LBPF. He said he came into this world penniless and hoped
to leave the same way, to which McDonnell quipped, "Well, I
can help you with that goal!" Sgt. Tyae Burford, Detective
Sondra Benskin and Police Explorer Commander Rodolfo
Davila movingly described the value of Foundation support
to their activities.
The goal of the VIP Reception was to thank past donors, in-
cluding the over 100 Charter Mem-
bers of the LBPF, and to raise the
$75,000 remaining towards the
$200,000 goal of the Fundraising
Campaign.
The LBPF seeks to foster visible and
direct community support for the
Long Beach Police Department by
enhancing programs and services in
the areas of training, technology and
community outreach including
youth services.
Seen at the scene: Diana Hendel, Chris Lytle, Jim Hankla,
Cindy Allen, John Dixon, Dennis Hathaway …
Art Levine, Chief McDonnell, Kareen Ahmed and Dan Walker Photo Credit: Landmark Medical Inc.
Reprinted with permission from the Seen at the Scene column
by Shirley Wild appearing in the Press-Telegram on Sunday,
February 17, 2013.
Page 8 Straight Talk Magazine
Straight Talk
Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster introduces
Mayor Bob Foster at the State of the City Address.
Audience members listen to Mayor Foster deliver the
State of the City Address to a packed house at the
Center Theatre.
Mayor Bob Foster is joined by his grandchildren
Ryan, Bobby and Taylor following delivery of the
State of the City Address.
Guests join Host Art Levine in the TV studio before the
taping of a Straight Talk Show on “The Arts.” Pictured
(l. to r.) Actor Brian Stanton, Producer Mariana
Williams and Director Carl daSilva.
Mariana Williams, Producer of the LB Greatest Story-
teller Competition, reviews the six finalist contestants
and their stories for the audience at the Long Beach
Playhouse prior to their voting.
2012 Long Beach Greatest Storyteller Competition win-
ner Jason Bowe happily shows his award to the packed
LB Playhouse audience as last year’s winner, Hiroshi
Hosoda looks on.
Watch Anytime: www.StraightTalkTV.com Page 9
Around Town
Andy Perez is surrounded by friends and colleagues,
(l. to r.) Betsy Brien, Beth Mastee and Jamie
Newman, at the Opening Night Gala for International
City Theatre’s hit show Around the World in 80 Days.
LBPD Officer Tyrone Anderson and Criminalist
Greg Gossage are among those presented IMPACT
awards this year by Long Beach City Prosecutor
Doug Haubert. The awards are presented annually
to officers and citizens who “have made a positive
significant impact in the City of Long Beach in the
past year.”
Sgt. William Hutchinson, President of the Palm
Springs POA is interviewed by television reporter
Megan Terlecky in connection with the group’s
support for fallen police officers and their families.
LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey speaking
at the Richard Rose Career Achievement Award
Luncheon honoring Long Beach Police Officer
Don Radcliff.
Sunnylands, the 25,000 square foot winter home of the
late Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Located on 200
acres in Rancho Mirage, the home is now in public
trust for use as a high-level retreat center, and is some-
times referred to as “Camp David West.”
The swimming pool and private nine-hole golf course
at Sunnylands are framed by the majestic mountains.
Page 10 Straight Talk Magazine
Sponsor & Community News Forbidden City now offers a Sunday Buffet Brunch from
12-3pm. Enjoy their delicious Egg Fu Yong, Szechuan
Bacon, Walnut Shrimp, Orange Chicken and famous Magic
Beans. Only $15, including a gourmet dessert bar.
Naples Rib Company Remember to order Rib Co. for your
March Madness gatherings. Buckets, Trays and Party Packs
for all size groups. Best yet...you can order on-line! Easter is
right around the corner and we are opening at Noon. Great
seating for large parties- make your reservation on-line at
www.ribcompany.com.
Polly’s Gourmet Coffee Proprietor Michael Sheldrake has
been elected as President of the Belmont Shore Business
Association. Congratulations Mike!
Russo’s Ristorante Russo’s is offering half-priced
appetizers throughout the month of March.
Phil Trani’s is hosting a Straight Talk Night on Thursday,
April 4 from 6-8pm honoring the Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach. Race CEO Jim Michaelian will be there to
provide the latest update on race weekend, as well as other
SURPRISE GUESTS! Watch Straight Talk host Art Levine
interview Jim on a Special Edition of the show on Phil’s
wide screen TV. Hosted appetizers. Free on-site parking.
Long Beach Symphony The Long Beach Symphony
Orchestra presents the Inaugural Symphony Chefs’ Challenge
on Sunday, March 10 from 5 to 7:30pm at Friedmans
Appliance Center. Executive Chefs from Gladstone’s,
L’Opera, Michaels on Naples, The Queen Mary and Tanta-
lum will slice, season and sauté in a timed competition in the
new kitchens at Friedmans.
Guests will be treated to live jazz, wine, champagne, martini
bar, sumptuous hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a surprise
dessert while observing the chefs in action. TV personality
Art Levine will provide commentary as he interviews the
chefs and the professional judges. And you will be part of the
action as you get to “vote” for your favorite chef.
Tickets are $175 with all proceeds benefitting the Symphony.
Enjoy great food and company at this unique event. To pur-
chase tickets or for further information call (562) 494-2784
or visit www.lbso.org/chefschallenge.
Photo Focus: Aquatic Capital
Watch Anytime: www.StraightTalkTV.com Page 11
Tom Shadden, President of the Aquatic Capital
Foundation, at their Fourth Annual Awards Banquet
held at Keesal, Young and Logan.
Banquet Chairman Drew Satariano welcomes
guests to the Aquatic Capital of America Awards
Banquet.
Long Beach State Women’s Volleyball Head Coach
Brian Gimmillaro, three-time Olympian Misty May
and Aquatic Capital Foundation President Tom Shadden
following presentation of the Athlete of the Year Award
to Misty.
Chief of Lifeguards Randy Foster, Junior Lifeguard
of the Year Hannah Levy and Aquatic Capital Board
Member Dick Miller following presentation of a
Special Achievement Award to Hannah.
2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Jessica Hardy is sur-
rounded by her mother Denise Robinson and her
swimming coach Dave Salo, who received the
Aquatic Capital Coach of the Year Award.
Gazette Editor Harry Saltzgaver with Olympian
Susie Atwood at the Aquatic Capital of America
Awards Banquet.
Page 12 Straight Talk Magazine
Let’s Fingerprint Hand Guns
by
Dr. Craig R. Smith
Director, Center for First Amendment Studies, CSULB
I n an editorial in the Miami Herald in 1998, I put forward a
program to fingerprint all guns in America. I have been
fighting for the program ever since.
One of my biggest challenges has been the interpretation of
the Second Amendment, the shortest and most misunderstood
amendment in the Bill of Rights. It reads simply, “A well-
regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not
be infringed.” Many people wrongly assume that the amend-
ment was passed to allow citizens to possess weapons in case
they needed them to defend themselves from a federal gov-
ernment that became dictatorial. However, the true context of
the Second Amendment is more complex than that. It is
important that we interpret the Second Amendment in light of
its original text because as any good linguist can tell you,
context creates meaning.
The story of the Second Amendment begins in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts under the Articles of Confederation,
which preceded our current Constitution. The Massachusetts
state constitution contained a provision that the people have
the right to keep and bear arms but only for “the common
defense.” Thus, in 1786 when Daniel Shays fomented a
rebellion against the state when it raised his taxes, Massachu-
setts formed a citizens’ militia to protect itself. When Shays
attempted to raid an armory in Springfield, the militia inter-
vened killing four and wounding twenty of Shays’ followers.
In 1789, Massachusetts ratified the new Constitution provi-
sionally with the condition that a bill of rights be added as
soon as possible. When Representative James Madison put
out the call for amendments that would become the Bill of
Rights, Massachusetts sent an amendment to allow states to
form militias by giving citizens the right to bear arms. It was
added to the Constitution in 1791. Thus, in its historic context
the Amendment means that states are empowered to allow
their citizens to bear arms so that militias can be formed to
protect states from rebellions. You don’t have to take my
word for it.
Placing the Amendment in context, the Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals has ruled that the Second Amendment does NOT
prohibit states or the federal government from restricting the
possession of guns. The Court used the conservative stand-
ards of “original intent” and “strict construction of the Con-
stitution” to reach its unanimous conclusion. Commenting on
the Amendment –– the Court concluded that “‘well-
regulated’ confirms that ‘militia’ can only reasonably be
construed as referring to a military force established and
controlled by a government entity.”
Unfortunately, in a 5 - 4 decision concerning Chicago’s ban
on guns, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010 overruled the Ninth
Circuit Court. The five conservative justices ignored their
own precept of original intent and the historic context of the
Second Amendment. So unless the Supreme Court comes to
its senses and revisits the issue, or a new justice is appointed
to replace one of the five on the so-called conservative side,
we must rely on other measures to deal with gun control in a
constitutional way.
Fingerprinting guns is such a measure. My 1998 proposal was
endorsed by President Clinton in his 1999 State of the Union
Address and was converted into legislation by a bi-partisan
coalition led by Senators Feinstein and Kohl. However, the
legislation was blocked by the pro-gun lobby.
I then brought the proposal to the state level, hoping Califor-
nia might become a model for other states. Progress was
made when I testified on behalf of AB1717 which set up a
feasibility study. Working with such companies as SecuGen,
we found that digital files could be created using optical
scanning. In 2002 in the Los Angeles Times, I encouraged the
California Legislature to implement the program as a model
for the nation. The NRA opposed our efforts and budget
constraints put the legislation on hold. Given recent tragedies,
it is time for a new look.
On an average day in America, nine children and 16 adults
are killed by guns; that’s over 9,000 deaths a year. 570
robberies are committed using a gun; and over 1,000 assaults
occur where a handgun is involved. About 240 people a day
are injured by gun fire. If you have a gun in your house, it is
far more likely to be used in a quarrel, a suicide attempt, a
suicide, or an accidental shooting than to stop an intruder.
Many children have found guns at home and taken them to
school. Each year about 4 million guns are purchased
bringing the current number in circulation to around 300
million, and many of these are assault weapons.
That number is rising as gun shows, which are basically
unregulated, sell more weapons than ever before. Gunshot
violence costs $20 billion a year. For all these reasons, in an
argument before the Supreme Court in 2008, President
(Continued on page 13)
Straight Talk Magazine Published by
Straight Talk Productions
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Art Levine
Assistant Editors
Melissa Navarro
Thad Heggeness
Straight Talk Productions
6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy #440
Long Beach, CA 90803
©2013 Straight Talk Productions
All Rights Reserved
Tel: (562) 594-9385
Email: [email protected]
Printed by Seaside Printing
Every Saturday & Sunday
9am & 7pm · LBTV 3 & FiOS 21
10am & 8pm · Charter 101
www.StraightTalkTV.com
Straight Talk with Art Levine
Politics · Arts · Business
Wake Up With Art
Every Saturday and Sunday
9am (& 7pm) on LBTV 3 & FiOS 21
10am (& 8pm) on Charter 101
www.StraightTalkTV.com
Bush’a U.S. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement said guns are
subject to “reasonable regulation” by the government and that
all federal restrictions on guns should be upheld.
To "fingerprint" every gun sold in America, we need only to
digitalize the unique barrel markings on any bullet fired
through it. Since every gun is test-fired by the manufacturer
before it is put on the market, there is a bullet available that
holds the unique barrel markings of that particular gun.
If manufacturers were required to make one bullet from each
gun they produced and were about to market available to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau could digitalize
the unique barrel markings of each gun and keep them on
file, along with the serial number of the gun and the name
and address of the owner when the gun is purchased.
Guns that have already been sold can be brought into a local
test-firing facility, test-fired, and their riflings would also be
registered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. No law
abiding citizen should object to such a procedure.
Then the Federal Bureau of Investigation (and all local law
enforcement agencies upon request) would have a new and
extremely efficient way of connecting the bullet from the
crime-scene with the gun that was used for the crime since
the markings on the spent bullets could be compared with the
digitalized files housed at the Federal Bureau of Investiga-
tion. The identification of the gun could then lead to the
identity of the registered owner.
One advantage of the program is that it discourages the use of
a "straw man purchaser" to obtain a gun for a criminal or
someone who is under age. This proposal ties the gun to the
"straw man purchaser." Should that person turn the gun over
to someone else, they do so at great risk for if that gun is used
in a crime, it would be traced directly back to the
purchaser unless that person recorded a bill of sale to the
criminal or under-age buyer. Some legislatures have passed
legislation to digitalize bullet casings. Since many automatic
weapons retain bullet casings and since they also can be
picked up at the crime scene, monitoring them is not nearly
as effective keeping a file of bullet head markings. Bullets
are much more difficult to remove from a body, let alone
from a crime scene.
Every police chief I have run this proposal by has endorsed it.
For example, when he was Chief of Police in San Diego,
Dave Bejarano wrote me that the proposal “has the potential
to greatly assist law enforcement in its efforts to combat and
investigate serious crime.” (italics added) I believe that it is
possible, indeed easy, to remove the guns from the sphere of
practicality for the commission of crimes. Remember, every
day we delay more innocent people are killed by weapons
that could be more easily traced.
Watch Anytime: www.StraightTalkTV.com Page 13
Watch Anytime
Guest Column (Continued from page 12)
Craig Smith was a recent guest on Straight Talk. In the
course of the interview, he discussed fingerprinting of guns,
the Second Amendment and the constitutional issues raised
by proposed gun control legislation. You can watch the show
anytime at www.StraightTalkTV. Click on Show Archives to
see show. The show is also viewable 24/7 on YouTube and
facebook.
Page 14 Straight Talk Magazine
Sponsor Spotlight: Performance Plus - “Locally World Famous”
Art
Long Beach Museum of Art…………….…(562) 439-2119
Auto Dealership
Cerritos Acura………..……………………(562) 402-5281
Bank
Citibank - Belmont Shore Branch…………(562) 240-2616
Cable TV/Internet/Phone
Charter Communications……………….…(888) 438-2427
Long Beach Television………………...….(562) 570-1122
Cemetery
Green Hills Memorial Park………………..(310) 831-0311
Coffee
Polly’s Gourmet Coffee…………………...(562) 433-2996
Dentist
Leonard P. Cutuli, D.D.S.………………....(562) 435-5388
Employment and Entertainment Law
Peter Law Group…………………………,,,(310) 277-0010
Import/Export
Port of Long Beach…………………..….....(562) 437-0041
Internal Medicine
Dr. Marcy Zwelling………………………..(562) 596-7584
Jewelry
McCarty’s Jewelry……………………........(562) 438-1581
Medicare Plans
SCAN Health Plan…………………………(800) 915-7226
Men’s Apparel
Umberto International Clothier………….....(562) 597-0391
Publications
Beachcomber……………………….………….....(562) 597-8000
Gazette Newspapers..……………..………….…..(562) 433-2000
Press-Telegram……………………...………..…..(562) 435-1161
Restaurants
Forbidden City…………………………………….(562) 961-3500
Kelly’s…………………………………………….(562) 433-4983
McKenna’s on the Bay…………...……….....……(562) 342-9411
Naples Rib Company………...…………..…...…...(562) 439-7427
Papalucci’s…………………………………..…….(562) 434-4454
Phil Trani’s………………………..……..………..(562) 426-3668
Russo’s Ristorante………………………………...(562) 433-1616
Special Events
Long Beach International City Bank Marathon…..(562) 427-4606
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach………..……....(562) 981-2600
Sports
Forty-Niner Athletics……………….…………….(562) 985-4949
Theater
International City Theatre……………..……...…...(562) 495-4595
Long Beach Playhouse…………………………….(562) 494-1014
Musical Theatre West………..……………..……..(562) 856-1999
Tires/Wheels/Service
Performance Plus Tire & Auto Superstore..………(562) 988-0211
Utilities
Long Beach Water Department…..…………….....(562) 570-2300
Southern California Edison………………....…….(800) 655-4555
Shop our Local Quality Sponsors
When a new customer enters the massive showroom of
Performance Plus Tire, their first expression is
usually something along the lines of “Wow”.
Most automotive centers would not be described
as “inviting”, but at Performance Plus customers
wait for their vehicles in 50’s style diner booths
where they can watch TV, enjoy free Wi-Fi or
admire the custom rims adorning the walls.
For over 40 years, local resident and owner
Hank Feldman has earned the reputation for outstanding
customer service, operating his family-owned Superstore
under the premise “If we don’t take care of our customers,
someone else will.”
Hank reports, “We keep in stock over 5000 tires
in every brand you could want, and we are also
one of the largest custom wheel retailers in the
country and one of the largest vintage tire mar-
keters in the world!” Basically, Performance Plus has some-
thing for everyone!
In addition to tires and wheels, Performance Plus
is a suspension and service expert, providing
complete undercarriage support as well as basic
automotive services.
Hank and his team believe strongly in giving
back to the local community. They support a
variety of charitable activities and youth
programs. They also sponsor their Annual Thanksgiving
Food Drive now in its 16th year.
Let Performance Plus take care of your
automotive needs. and you too will learn why
they are called “Locally World Famous”!
Sponsor Directory
3911 Cherry Ave.
Long Beach
(562) 988-0211 www.performanceplustire.com