Friends:

As you know, Cucina Picarelli will no longer be able to accommodate the monthly EASBA business luncheons.  

We have made arrangements with Polly’s Restaurant, located at 4680 Los Coyotes Diagonal.  Polly’s has been a successful family-owned business here in the Long Beach area since 1968.  Please feel free to visit their website at: www.pollyspies.com.

We hope you will join us for lunch and to catch up on the latest news and events in our district.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, June 22nd and learning more about your business as well as how we can all work together to improve East Anaheim Street.

By Karen Robes Meeks
06/03/2010


LONG BEACH - A business group is hoping that a little gift-giving will spark interest in East Anaheim Street's commercial district.

The East Anaheim Street Business Association will buy more than 500 gift certificates from at least 72 businesses in its district in an effort to put money back into the commercial corridor and help bring in new people.

"More people use it as a thoroughfare but few people stop and have lunch or go into the jewelry store," said board president Rod Wilson, who hopes to start the first phase of the program next week. "We are very focused on getting people to stop and take advantage of the services and the wonderful food and all the things that are available on East Anaheim Street."

By Karen Robes Meeks, Staff Writer

Long Beach Press-Telegram

04/27/2010


LONG BEACH - A business operator on Anaheim Street since 1996, Frenchy's Bistro owner Andre Angles has started seeing changes - albeit slowly - on the street, including a few new trees and bus shelters.

But the street that's home to an eclectic mix of Mom and Pop stores could still use some improvement, something Angles and several business owners are now willing to pay for themselves.

After two years of gathering signatures, business owners will be able to create "the pot of money" dedicated to beautifying and promoting the commercial area and enhancing public safety there.

Recently the City Council voted unanimously to allow business owners within the East Anaheim Street area to establish a business improvement district. This allows business owners to self-impose an annual assessment fee to fund street improvements and events.

April 21, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: The East Anaheim Street Business Alliance
562-494-3800

Long Beach City Council unanimously approves East Anaheim Street Business Alliance Business Improvement District Plan

EASBA Board of Directors ready to launch comprehensive campaign to clean up, maintain and promote historic East Anaheim Street business district

Long Beach, CA – In a landmark 9-0 vote, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the creation of the East Anaheim Street Business Alliance (EASBA) Business Improvement District, the City’s ninth and newest Business Improvement District (BID).

The City Council’s approval allows the EASBA to move forward with a privately-funded multi-faceted campaign to clean up, maintain and promote the historic East Anaheim Street business corridor.

Representing almost 600 businesses, the East Anaheim Street Business Alliance, is a community and economic development organization serving the historic and vibrant East Anaheim Street district of Long Beach.

Friends: I am proud to announce that after more than two years of hard work and determination the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved (9-0) the East Anaheim Street Business Association Business Improvement District Plan.  We have become the City’s ninth and newest Business Improvement District (BID).  Special thanks to City Councilmember O'Donnell and Councilmember DeLong who showed tremendous support and Travis Brooks with the City who worked diligently on our behalf to help establish our BID.  Thank you for all of your support.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and hard work – it was a lot of hard work and this was truly a team effort.

The Rand Corp. also says it found no evidence that using private security guards for patrols within the districts simply displaces crime to other neighboring areas.

February 20, 2009|Cara Mia DiMassa and Richard Winton

In the 1980s and '90s, rising crime, dilapidated streets and a perception that police alone could not keep the streets of Los Angeles safe led a few neighborhoods to take matters into their own hands.

In areas as varied as Old Pasadena, Westwood, Hollywood Boulevard and downtown L.A., business and property owners banded together to assess themselves and form umbrella organizations aimed at keeping their areas safe and clean.

Do you still feel like Social Media is just for social networking?
Have you ever thought of using Social Media as a business tool to enhance sales and increase profitability?  Many successful small businesses are connecting with customers as we speak.  Social Media is a new way of putting yourself in front of your customers.
The Small Business Development Center at Long Beach City College is hosting a Social Media Seminar that will teach you how to successfully promote your business and increase your brand's awareness.  In this seminar you will learn the following:

• How to create and maintain a Face book Group Page.
• How to join "Groups" on LinkedIn and remain connected with business professionals throughout the world.
• Why 140 characters on Twitter are significant in helping increase brand visibility and strengthen customer service.
• How YouTube can be used to enhance sales and promote your business website.

Time
Wednesday March 24th, 2010
10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

Location
4900 E. Conant St., building 0-2
Long Beach, CA 90808

Cost
$45

To sign up for this workshop please call (562) 938-5051, seating is limited

Small Business Development Center at Long Beach City College <sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu>

Award for Long Beach store owner's share of $133 million Mega Millions jackpot will be $665,000.
By Kelly Puente, Staff Writer
03/07/2010

LONG BEACH — Long Beach doughnut shop owner Kevin Thai had a hunch that this year, the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese calendar, would be his lucky year.

Lucky indeed.

On Friday, Country Donuts on the corner of Obispo Avenue and Anaheim Street sold the winning Mega Millions lottery ticket worth a whopping $133 million jackpot. Mega Millions, the country's largest lottery, includes 35 states and the District of Columbia. The odds of winning a jackpot are 1 in 176 million.

As of Sunday, the winner had yet to surface.

Because his store sold the winning ticket, Kevin Thai gets half of 1 percent of the total, which comes to a hefty $665,000.

The father of four said the money will go to his childrens' college funds. And it's good timing, too, he added, since his eldest child just started her first year at USC. Though his daughter is attending the school on a scholarship, Thai said taxes and other expenses are adding up quickly.

"College is very expensive," he said.

For Thai, 52, who also owns China Chef Express on the same block and another Chinese food restaurant in San Pedro, success has been a mixture of a little good fortune and a lot of hard work.

A native of Cambodia, Thai fled the country during the bloody Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and lived in Vietnam briefly before coming to Long Beach in 1981.

He found work as a waiter and took English classes on the side. After a few years,

Thai was able to save enough money to buy his first business, a doughnut shop in Lawndale.

While he's had success building his businesses, the Cypress resident said last year was particularly hard financially in the wake of the recession.

But Thai said he had a feeling that 2010 would be better.

"I was born in the Year of the Dog (1958). My wife was born in the Year of the Horse. And 2010 is the Year of the Tiger," he explained. "Chinese (astrology) predicts good luck when the these three animals come together."

To keep the good fortune flowing, the business owner said he also incorporated feng shui, an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics, when he designed the store's layout.

Something might be working, because Country Donuts is a virtual hot spot for lottery ticket sales. In January, the shop received special recognition from Mega Millions for selling an unusually high number of lottery tickets.

"I feel we still have more luck to come," Thai said.

Longtime regular Sam Dominello, who visits the shop daily for an iced tea, said the fortune is well-deserved.

"Kevin's helped a lot of people and he's done a lot for the community," said Dominello, a 50-year Long Beach resident and retired supervisor for the city's Gas and Oil Department. "He's hired people that didn't speak English and given them a chance to work. He's considerate and compassionate."

On Sunday, a steady stream of customers poured into the doughnut shop, lured by a sign that read, "$133 Mega Million Winner Sold Here!" Thai said dozens of people, some from as far as Los Angeles, have been calling for directions so they can come down and buy lottery tickets.

Guadalupe Martinez, 64, of Long Beach, was one of many who were hoping a little luck would rub off.

"Today I won $8 on the Scratchers and yesterday I won $6," she said. "I think this place is lucky."

The jackpot for Tuesday's draw is $12 million.

Last week at our meeting we had a representative from the Health Department speak to us about unlicensed street vendors that sell food.  The attachments are about the dangers of purchasing and eating food from these vendors.  There is also a phone number you can report these people to the Health Department.  In case you are wondering, anyone selling any food item from a cart or anything else that they "push" is unlicensed.
 
David Henseler
Vice President WESCA

Hi

It is time again for WESCA. Thursday February 25th at 6:30pm is the next WESCA meeting.  It will be at Lee Elementary School (Temple Ave. and 17th St., enter on 17th St.)

On Saturday February 27th, we will have our monthly alley clean up.  This month we will meet at Orizaba Park (near Orizaba and 14th St.  We will start at 8am an have a BBQ at the end.  Water and gloves will be provided.  We especially need people with a truck to come out and help.

Thanks for your interest and support

David Henseler
Vice President WESCA

Dear Friends:

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.  We look forward to 2010 and working with you to make a big difference in Long Beach on Anaheim Street.

This is a friendly reminder to RSVP for the EASBA Monthly Meeting at 12 noon, Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Cucina Picarelli Italian Restaurant, 5096 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach.

We hope you will join us as we will officially introduce our newest EASBA Board member Joan Van Hooten from the Long Beach Playhouse.

Well the 4th Thursday and 4th Saturday are upon us again.  Thursday January 28th at 6:30pm is the next WESCA meeting.  It will be at Lee Elementary School (Temple Ave. and 17th St., enter on 17th St.)

On Saturday January 23rd, we will have our monthly alley clean up.  This month we will meet at 1384 Obispo.  We will start at 8am an have a BBQ at the end.  Water and gloves will be provided.  We especially need people with a truck to come out and help.

Thanks for your interest and support

David Henseler
Vice President WESCA

Dear EASBA Members and Community Leaders,

This is just a friendly reminder that there is no regular East Anaheim Street Business Alliance meeting in December. Since our December meetings usually fall so close to Christmas we normally don’t hold meeting during this month.

On behalf of the EASBA Board of Directors, Happy Holidays and have a Happy New Year!  We look forward to seeing you at our next regular meeting January 26, 2010 at Cucina Picarelli, 5096 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.

Best regards,

Rod Wilson, President

Long Beach Playhouse Executive Director will address East Anaheim merchants

By Karen Robes Meeks
October 21, 2009

Long Beach Playhouse Executive Director Joan Van Hooten and Jan Ward from the West East Side Community Association will address business owners and residents at the monthly East Anaheim Business Alliance meeting, set for Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Cucina Picarelli Italian Restaurant.

Van Hooten will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the historic theater. Ward will discuss WESCA's latest projects, including the annual Halloween Carnival.

Admission is $12. The meeting will be at noon at 5096 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Overflow parking will be provided by the Long Beach Playhouse (at E. 14th Street and PCH).

To RSVP or if you have any questions, please give us a call at 562-494-3800. Visit www.easba.com for updates.

December 2, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: East Anaheim Street Business Alliance
(562) 494-3800

East Anaheim Street Business Alliance Elects Joan Van Hooten to its Board of Directors

Ms. Van Hooten bring years of experience in local non-profit arts management and a strong commitment to the historic Long Beach business district

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach, CA – The East Anaheim Street Business Alliance (EASBA), a community and economic development organization serving the historic and vibrant East Anaheim Street district of Long Beach, has elected Joan Van Hooten to its Board of Directors.

Joan has served as the Executive Director of the Long Beach Playhouse since November 2008 where she has been instrumental in managing the theater’s day-to-day operations and promoting its gala 80th anniversary season.

She also is a longtime Long Beach resident with more than 25 years experience in non-profit arts management, including most recently serving as Executive Director of the Arts Council for Long Beach.

Joan joins fellow board members President Rod Wilson (Pacific Research & Strategies, Inc.), Treasurer Ken Buck (Joe Jost’s), Secretary Lorie Stack (Farmers & Merchants Bank), John McNaughton (Red Carpet Coastal Properties), Carl Dene (Vision Design Studio), Renee Kim (Cookies by Design), Lee Vieira (The Mortgage Planning Group) and Bill Child (The District Weekly).

The East Anaheim Street Business Alliance (EASBA) is a multi-faceted economic, business, and community development organization representing nearly 600 businesses in the East Anaheim Street district of Long Beach.

The EASBA is working closely with the City of Long Beach on efforts to form a Business Improvement District, a program funded and managed by local businesses to finance services within the district such as street and sidewalk maintenance, enhanced public safety, marketing and advertising, and other beneficial projects.

“We are excited to welcome Joan to the board,” stated Rod Wilson, EASBA President. “She brings tremendous business savvy, enthusiasm and commitment to the EASBA.”

“East Anaheim Street business owners have banded together as never before to invest in the long-term strength of our district,” added Wilson. “As we finalize petitions for the Business Improvement District and bring new opportunities to the area, I know Joan will play a key role in helping the EASBA achieve its stated goals.”



About the EASBA
The East Anaheim Street Business Alliance is multi-faceted economic, business, and community development organization representing more than 600 businesses. Its primary mission is to provide a unified voice for local businesses, while creating a more energetic community and prosperous economy along the historic East Anaheim Street corridor of Long Beach. For more information, please visit www.easba.com.

November 23, 2009

Friends:

Just wanted to drop you a quick reminder that we will NOT be holding our monthly meeting tomorrow.  

We look forward to seeing you soon.  

Respectfully,

Rod Wilson
President

Dear Friends:

I just finished an interview with Karen Robes Meeks, a business reporter for the Long Beach Press-Telegram, and she asked about EASBA and all the great things we are doing in our district.

She told me that she is doing a story that will be running on Thanksgiving Day about Long Beach businesses gearing up for Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.

Karen is interested in East Anaheim Street businesses that are offering big discounts or sales for Black Friday to include in here story.

If indeed your business is planning on a special Black Friday sale, please let me know the details by Tuesday, November 24 at 12 noon, so I can relay it to Karen for potential inclusion in her story.

This is a tremendous opportunity for some free advertising for your business in what many experts expect will be an ultra-competitive holiday shopping season.

Thanks for your input and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Respectfully,

Rod Wilson
President, East Anaheim Street Business Alliance

In the ongoing effort by the East Anaheim Business Alliance to keep local business owners informed, please take a moment to read the press release below regarding a rash of commercial armed robberies in the East Long Beach area.

Respectfully,

Rod Wilson
President

Long Beach
Police Department

Media Relations
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273

Billy B. Quach, Chief of Police

11/10/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE #2009

Subject : ROBBERY SUSPECT SOUGHT
Contact : Detective Fermin Gonzalez - Robbery Detail (562) 570-7464

The Long Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a robbery suspect wanted in connection with a string of armed robberies to businesses occurring in the Long Beach area over the past three weeks.

Several businesses in Long Beach and one in Lakewood have been robbed since October 20, 2009. In each of the incidents, one suspect enters the business and demands cash while showing a handgun. Once he gets the cash, he exits the business and flees in a vehicle. It is unknown if the suspect is acting alone or with an accomplice.

Most of the businesses targeted have been food establishments.

The suspect has been described as a male white with blond hair in his late teens or early twenties.

To increase public safety, the Long Beach Police Department wants to remind businesses of the following:

• Keep a landline phone in an accessible area and call 9-1-1 if you are being robbed. If unable to speak to the operator, leave it off the hook. The police will be summoned to your location.
• Avoid working alone and keep the windows of your business clear of advertising material and decorations, which can screen an intruder from outside view.
• Be sure security cameras are in good working order and maintained regularly. Consider upgrading to a digital system, and train employees to access security footage. This enables detectives to get the evidence sooner, which can greatly assist in apprehending the suspect.

If you have any information regarding these crimes, please contact Robbery Detective Fermin Gonzalez at (562) 570-7464.

Thursday November 19th at 6:30pm is the next WESCA meeting.  It will be at Lee Elementary School (Temple Ave. and 17th St., enter on 17th St.)

On Saturday November 21st, we will have our monthly alley clean up.  This month we will meet at 1376 Coronado.  We will start at 8am an have a BBQ at the end.  Water and gloves will be provided.  We especially need people with a truck to come out and help.

Thanks for your interest and support

David Henseler
Vice President WESCA

Memorial Fund Established for Slain Wilson HS Student

Third District Councilmember Gary DeLong has announced that a memorial fund has been established at LBUSD for Melody Ross, who was shot and killed following a football game last Friday night at Wilson High School.

For details link click here:

The CPR/First Aid/AED Class is from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Saturday 31 October 2009.

Location: Red Cross Office 3150 East 29th Street, Long Beach,(enter classroom at rear).

Google Map Link

Normal price $65, CERT price $ 30

On Tuesday, October 27th, Long Beach Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Luna provided members and guests of the East Anaheim Street Business (EASBA) with an informative presentation focusing on key ways to avoid becoming a victim of property theft.

Although the overall crime rate is on the decline within the city of Long Beach, the Long Beach PD, in particular the East Division, is reporting an ongoing increase in property theft, specifically auto burglaries.

October 19, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: East Anaheim Street Business Alliance
(562) 494-3800

East Anaheim Street Business Alliance to receive exclusive backstage tour of historic Long Beach Playhouse
October 27, 2009 as part of theater’s 80th anniversary celebration

Joan Van Hooten, Executive Director of the Long Beach Playhouse, to provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour as a part of the EASBA monthly luncheon meeting at Cucina Picarelli; the tour is free

Long Beach, CA – Joan Van Hooten, Executive Director of the historic Long Beach Playhouse, has been confirmed to address the regular monthly luncheon and business meeting of the East Anaheim Street Business Alliance, 12 Noon on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Cucina Picarelli, 5096 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. The media is encouraged to attend.

After lunch, Ms. Van Hooten will personally guide a rare and exclusive backstage tour of the historic theater for interested parties to help celebrate the Playhouse’s 80 anniversary celebration.

Attached is a link to a tragic story that happened last week within the East Anaheim Street business corridor. A local one year-old girl, Kaylee Alvarez, was killed by a hit-and-run driver while she was riding in a wagon with her two-year-old brother.

Our hearts go out to the Alvarez family and our prayers are with them in this time of terrible loss. The East Anaheim Street Business Alliance is donating $500 to the Alvarez family to help with the costs of her funeral.  If you would like to make a donation, a memorial account has been set up at Wescom Credit Union -the account number is 708248.  The closest Wescom Credit Union office is at 2600 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill (Tel: 562-424-8340).

From the Long Beach Press-Telegram:
Family mourns loss of Kaylee, 1; brother mending from hit-and-run
By Kelly Puente, Staff Writer