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HAS JOHNSON CHANGED HIS POSITION ON PORT RAILYARD EXPANSION? [ From LBReport.com ]

WOW!!!! What a surprise. Seventh District City Council member James Johnson has gone back on his campaign promise. Did anyone really expect Johnson to honor his promises after his election? Compare this to Mayor Foster, Johnson’s sponsor, who promised increased city hall transparency, more library hours and 100 new police officers during Foster’s election campaign. Following his election, Foster attempted to shut down the Main Library and has since reduced library staffing and hours. Moreover, there are 100 FEWER police officers in Long Beach than when Foster was elected.  Campaign promises are made to break for people like this who seek election for their own personal gain and ego rather than the good of the community they represent. / MIKE RUEHLE

 DON’T HATE THEIR HOUSE—OR THEM—BECAUSE THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL [ From ApartmentTherapy.com ]

 I’d just like to point out to the wonderful folks of Greater Long Beach… Jeff and I have EXCELLENT oral hygiene. I floss every day! We’re plenty imperfect in other ways. Like that dead lightbulb in the bathroom. It’s still unfixed. / LIV MCMILLAN

 WHY THE REPUBLICAN SILENCE ON BROWN’S PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE RDA’S? [ By Katie Grimes / CalWatchdog.com ]

Cutting the RDA means cutting government funded corporate (and ol’ boys’ buddies) special interests. That is why the Republicans have nothing to say. / LB CITY GIRL

 A lot of Republicans despise Democrats right now, and applauding something of their doing, however useful, gives them a bellyache. / JASON

WHAT A DIFFERENCE SOME MULCH MAKES—TO OUR GARDEN … AND MARRIAGE? [ By Jeanine Birong ]

Keep up the good work. I very much enjoy reading about your progress. / HEATHER ALTMAN

 WHEN WILL BLACKOUT BE LIFTED ON LBPD’S KILLING OF DOUG ZERBY? [ By Dave Wielenga ]

Certainly all of the cops everywhere are HUMAN, and they make mistakes. The biggest one being when they are wrong they cover up, protect each other at all costs, rewrite history and basically rarely take responsibility for their actions. That is sad, it is also ILLEGAL. / DONNA BURNS

I am a law-abiding citizen who remains very scared of the police in this town. They have a long way to go before I have any level of trust in them. / STEVE

I understand this is an extremely difficult time for Zerby’s family and friends. I feel certain it is also a very difficult time for the police employees involved. The investigations proceed methodically and under considerable scrutiny by various duly elected public officials and we should demand nothing less. / JOHN B. GREET

BOOK REVIEW: WHETHER WRITING OR WHISPERING, HE COMES THROUGH LOUD AND CLEAR [ By Kristin Chalmers ]

If you can’t put $1K aside at the outset for an animal, perhaps you shouldn’t get one. If you don’t have significant time to spend with that animal, perhaps you shouldn’t get one. If you just broke up with your boyfriend, and feel the need to get an animal who will act like you had hoped your ex-boyfriend would, perhaps you should reconsider. Dogs, cats, and birds are not on this planet to fill the void of your own existential wretchedness. Except parakeets. / JASON 

Thank you for the review of Millan’s latest book and the encapsulation–very helpful. I appreciate the reminders about adopting pets from shelters “within 100 miles of Long Beach.” This message can’t be stressed enough because of the high numbers of animals in shelters that need the kind of good home you describe–one that understands a pet needs exercise, discipline and affection. And thanks to Jason for reminding us to plan for the expenses involved. / LISA RINALDI 

MONDO CELLULOID SCREENS SCHWARZENEGGER’S ‘COMMANDO’ TONIGHT—WHY? [ By Logan Crow ]

One of California’s claims to fame is that we (probably) have elected more actors equity members to public office than any other state. I suspect an equal number have run for elective office and not succeeded. I don’t think that can be correlated absolutely with the percentage of our population in the biz. Surely New York state has about the same number. I think it shows how we, the American electorate, like to judge beauty contests. That is a venue we invented. Getting elected is all about looking good these days. Is there anyone as ugly as Abraham Lincoln in national politics? Or anyone bent in physical appearance? Is there any senator who doesn’t have the required perfect dental work? Or any with a speech defect as John Quncy Adams is reputed to have had? Ahhnuld made his living looking good and so the celuloid preserver keeps reminding us of the condition of the American people–judging candidates as well as books by their cover. / REX

IF YOU’VE SEEN OLD BOY, SHUT YOUR MOUTH—OR GO TO HELL! [ By Logan Crow ]

Attended Mondo Celluloid at the Art Theater and, WHEW! Oldboy is one wild, intense ride you’ll likely never forget. Definitely not for the squeamish or Disney-minded folk.

Gotta thank Logan Crow for posting the screening announcement here or else this unforgettable film experience would’ve likely passed me by. / DWR

IN THE AFTERMATH OF ENVIRONMENTAL VICTORY COMES … BOREDOM? [ By Dave Wielenga ]

The meeting was organized over the holidays by the City of Seal Beach to inform the citizens that this purchase was made. It was not anything more than an opportunity for people to get information on the acquisition. Nobody working to conserve Los Cerritos Wetlands is close to feeling bored right now. In fact the fun has just begun!! Come out to our first Hellman Ranch Wetlands Clean-up on January 29th 12-3pm and see how much work we have to do now that the 100 acres is not privately owned. / ERIC ZAHN

ATTACK OF THE CALIFORNIA HAIR RESOURCES BOARD! [ Anthony Pignataro / CalWatchdog.org ]

If you don’t miss Stage 5 smog alerts, give thanks for the Air Resources Board (and EPA). / DWR