36 comments

• 

  Judy C.

  1 year ago

  Strongly consider the paragraph that begins, "The public being shortchanged----Now ask yourself this question,
  "Do we really want one family controlling the port?"
  reply
• 

  Andrew

  1 year ago

  Finally, an article that digs a little deeper...thanks Dave!
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  Nice one. I have to believe that Bonnie's passion for representing her district has kind of passed. With an adjacent port spewing more and more emissions, and downtown development stalling above Broadway, there's little more than photo ops coming out of her office.
  reply
• 

  835

  1 year ago

  I'm seeing Tonia as the just the kind of street brawler the LBC needs right about now in Sacramento. Knock 'em dead kid
  reply
• 

  Zeke

  1 year ago

  Times are changing and I think it is a great opportunity to have someone like Tonia in Sacramento! You Go Girl!
  reply
• 

  54th Voter

  1 year ago

  Uh, there are other candidates...but given the way the politicians split up this state they don't matter I guess since they do not have a (D) after their names. This is what their redistricting has done, given us a choice between an tangerine and a mandarin; hardly any difference whatsoever.
  reply
• 

  2nd District Resident

  1 year ago

  Josh? Running for City Council? I wonder if he will include on his resume the bikini contest he's holding at his club on June 6th where the winner wins a breast augmentation. And to think, the Lowenthals wanted to turn the Gaslamp into this type of place. Good job Josh, I'm sure your parents are proud.
  reply
• 

  LBRez

  1 year ago

  2ndDR--where is that being held? Maybe I'll enter...does augmentation also mean reduction? :)
  reply
• 

  835

  1 year ago

  I'd vote for Josh solely for the fact that he IS hosting a bikini contest on June 6
  reply
• 

  Concerned

  1 year ago

  I'm not sure what sort of "power" you think legislators have over the ports, but it isn't really as direct as Tonia is making it sound.
  
  Let's face it - she's using these talking points to make a case for herself by belittling her opponent. It's called RHETORIC, and she's making it sound as if there would be some sort of oligarchy with limitless control. Why a journalist isn't challenging her campaign rhetoric is beyond me.
  
  The only real sort of influence that Lowenthal had on the Port was getting people to seriously take action on cleaning up the air. His bills (whether they succeeded or not) got the discussion going on several important issues. I don't think the Ports would be "Green" today if he and others in the community weren't pushing for cleaner air.
  
  The reality is that Legislators do not have the ability to "force" policy at the port unless a majority of California legislators democratically make it so (and even then they are limited in their ability as much of it is local). Last time I checked, 2 out of 120 legislators is NOT a majority.
  
  Tonia's stance on Port issues is supposedly similar to Bonnie's - they are both advocating for cleaner ports so our community won't suffer. So really, with Bonnie in the Assembly, we'd have another legislator from Long Beach advocating for clean air. Isn't that what you really want?
  
  There is a difference between Bonnie and Tonia however, and that is: Tonia is running her campaign as the "clean air" candidate. At the same time, she's taking money from the companies whose operations are contributing to over 24,000 deaths in the region. It's pretty obvious she pushed for the AQMD board seat because she knew the 54th campaign was around the corner and she's smart enough to know what a big issue it is for the district. I argue that Tonia's "work" on the AQMD is nothing more than political posturing and NOT something she is willing to stake her political career over. With BNSF, UP, Occidental and Chevron in her corner, she'll be screwing us on the details every time in Sacramento despite whatever glorious press releases we read - and we all know the devil is in the details. For some reason NOBODY is running a story on Tonia's hypocrtical campaign. I guess there isn't a a decent journalist in this crazy town, despite how highly Bill Pearle and the District staff think of themselves.
  
  Who gives a crap about somebody's name - I DON'T want a two-faced Assemblymember who's in bed with corporations that fight every clean air bill in Sacramento. That is a vote our children and grandchildren won't appreciate.
  reply
• 

  2nd District Resident

  1 year ago

  To Concerned: Having "another legislator from Long Beach advocating for clean air" isn't EXACTLY what we really want. Having TWO MORE legislators from Long Beach advocating for clean air would have been far better. But Ms. Lowenthal chose to move into the 54th Assembly District for this election. She should have stayed in the the 55th Assembly District where she lives and run to be the representative when it was available a few months ago. Is it possible she thought Ms. Reyes Uranga would be easier to beat than Mr. Furutani? I'd say that was a another bad choice.
  reply
• 

  Concerned

  1 year ago

  First of all - we DO have several legislators advocating for LB's air quality, including Warren Furutani - even though he doesn't live in Long Beach. I don't think we should critize our local leaders like Bonnie and Warren for the gerrymandering that was done almost ten years ago. Should we get some real redistricting reform, perhaps then we'll see districts that encompass entire communities.
  
  I heard Bonnie's response to why she is running in the 54th and it makes sense. Sure a portion of her current district and house was in the 55th - but WHAT AREA has she represented over the last decade+? I guarantee you, it wasn't wasn't Lakewood, Carson, Gardena, etc. In her roles as Vice Mayor and school board member, she has represented the City of Long Beach. The 54th arguably has more of Long Beach, including the Port which she has proven leadership in (I remember her pushing the cold ironing technology in council).
  
  This town is full of people advocating for real redistricting reform - the fact that Long Beach has 3 different and disparate congressional members is proof positive we need it. You (and Tonia) are arguing that a community leader should not represent the people she historically has because of district lines that were drawn erratically almost ten years ago. That isn't the type of democracy you really want, is it?
  
  By the way - I notice you didn't have any comments regarding Tonia's hypocrisy and dirty air contributions...
  reply
• 

  LB Guy

  1 year ago

  Be careful dragging Assemblymember Furutani into this. He and State Senator Jenny Oropeza are strongly supporting Tonia in this race. I heard Assemblymember Furutani say at a very public meeting that he needs a strong fighter like Tonia in the Assembly with him to get these types of environmental legislation passed.
  
  And where you get that Tonia is just on the AQMD because of the benefits she might receive in this race shows your lack of history in the area. She has been a vocal and highly visible advocate for cleaning our air since long before she ever ran for office. Tonia and her three children all suffer from asthma, which is aggravated by pollution coming from the Ports, so this is a deeply personal issue for her.
  
  Your comments just come off as a sad reflection of the desperation of the Lowenthals to keep their 100% win track record - without really deserving it.
  reply
• 

  Concerned

  1 year ago

  Just because Warren is supporting Tonia doesn't mean he wouldn't work with Bonnie (and vice versa) once she gets elected.
  
  If Tonia is that concerned about air quality, why is she taking thousands of $$ from the corporations that contribute to 24,000 premature annual deaths? The same companies who have spent millions of dollars lobbying the California and Federal governments against bills that would promote our health and well-being?
  
  Your comments about "desperation" and "deserving" are easy political statements to make, but not so easy to back up. Tonia will be saying one thing and doing another in Sacramento. Her contributions from big oil and rail are proof of that.
  
  YOU should be careful voting for someone who parades her asthmatic family around while simultaneously pocketing dirty dollars from the corporations that contributed to that asthma. As an LB Post columnist likes to posit, which is it that enables her to do such things, ignorance or arrogance? Either way, I don't want her representing my community.
  reply
• 

  54th Voter

  1 year ago

  And still because of the b.s. districting the arguments are only between two candidates that are pretty much indistinguishable because they are the only ones with the golden (D), guaranteed to get you elected in LB no matter your transgressions.
  reply
• 

  LB Guy

  1 year ago

  But somehow it was alright for Bonnie (and other Lowenthals) to take Railroad moeny in the past? I'll admit it takes some looking, but you can certainly find the records on the City Clerk's website. The main point is that I have never seen where such donations have influenced Tonia or Bonnie's action or votes.
  
  And I AM careful who I vote for. I care deeply and spend a lot of time and effort checking facts and information. In this case I've known both candidates personally for over 15 years. I've voted for Lowenthals in the past, and most likely will in the future - but not this time.
  reply
• 

  2nd District Resident

  1 year ago

  First of all, I'm so glad Mr. Furutani is representing parts of Long Beach. He is a stong environmentalist. My point was Ms. Lowenthals choice in battles. You can talk about redistricting all you want. The fact is that Ms. Lowenthal is a 55th AD resident and she should have run to represnt that seat. And thanks LB Guy because I checked the City Clerk website and you're right, the Lowenthals took railroad money as well. But I guess that's ok, right Concerned.
  
  Since you're obviously campaign staff, I would suggest getting to work because I can guarnatee Tonia and her staff are out working you as we speak. They've been in my neighborhood several times.
  reply
• 

  Concerned

  1 year ago

  So... you complain about the Lowenthal track record but then state you've voted for them in the past and will in the future? I think you're doing a bit of what Tonia is - belittling her opponents so she can gain some ground in this race, using the "track record" as a reason to vote her in.
  
  As for the contributions, I wonder how Tonia's constituents on the west side feel about her $$ from rail and big oil? I can't imagine they'd be all too happy about it.
  
  I actually thought one of you guys was a staffer! while I'm honored you think of me in that esteemed regard (lol:), I'm just a concerned resident who finds some interest in this thing called democracy. But thanks for the compliment!
  
  I guess all this will be over in a few days from now and all this bickering won't really matter... Please June 3rd... come sooner!
  reply
• 

  LB Guy

  1 year ago

  Conerned - You need to get out and clean your windshield, beacause your seeing things that aren't there.
  
  I never compained about the "Lowenthal track record". Merely stated I didn't agree that Bonnie was the best choice in this race. I also never said I "will" vote for a Lowenthal again, just that I might. Big difference.
  
  In the article I think Mr. Wielenga shared that both candidates take some digs at each other - just some do it in a more forthright manner.
  
  And if you really want to know, come over to the Westside and ask us about how we feel about Tonia sometime. She is a "Westside" scrapper. She has always fought for us and most of us love her for it.
  reply
• 

  Lindaonline

  1 year ago

  Yes, Tonia is running against the Lowenthals and needs all the money she can get. If she took money from railroads, she also supported Furitanis rail bill where Bonnie did not. If she took money form oil, she also voted to tax dirty bunker fuel and Bonnie did not. I dont care where she gets her money from so long as she keeps voting the right way.
  Perhaps "Concerned" can write a check and send it to her. Evidently Bonnie has more than enough since I've gotten enough mail from her to fill a recycle bin! and I thought she was the green candidate.
  BTW, Tonia thanks for the flower, I planted it in my garden and it looks great! talk about actions speaking louder than words!
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  I wish Bonnie was as "concerned" about her current job (as councilperson, remember?), and as "concerned" about her city council voting record on port issues, and as "concerned" about all the money she's taken form realtors and developers, as she is for running for higher office in an adjacent district.
  
  At least Tonia's voting record matches her talk. Enough "concern" for you, "Concerned"?
  reply
• 

  David Munoz

  1 year ago

  I've know Tonia for many years now and I can tell you she is someone I would want in my corner any day. I was raised on the West-Side and I can tell you, at an early age you learn to read people and separate the ones that are "full of it" from the ones that are for real. Tonia is real and genuine in her concerns. Thank God she's chosen to use her talent and kindness to represent those who would other wise not have a voice. Thank you Tonia for all you do......"El West-Side pertenece a usted"
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  Oh well...I wonder which Lowenthal will be my new councilperson?
  reply
• 

  LBRez

  1 year ago

  Andy is spot on in two ways: 1) thanks to the districting Lowenthal is almost a shoe in to win in the general 2) Joshie can move into Mommy's old residence and take over the seat. Then it will be official, all Lowenthal's will dine at the public trough.
  reply
• 

  Moon Dog

  1 year ago

  I wonder how long "Concerned" has been in the comunity? Does he or she even know what is means to be a life long resident in this district? Or is he or she some one that had some cash to invest, moved in hoping to flip thier house and now plays the part of "Concerned " citizen???.......your not fooling anyone.
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  Do they have a full bar at the public trough? Maybe I'll run for council...
  reply
• 

  2nd District Resident

  1 year ago

  Today is a sad day. Money and influence bought this seat for Ms. Lowenthal. I wonder though, why Josh Lowenthal didn't host his mother's election night party at his high class night club. If it wasn't for Holt's stance on gay marraige I would absolutely be voting for her. The Democratic Party has really disappointed me.
  reply
• 

  Dave Wielenga

  1 year ago

  I appreciate the public comment, but I sure would appreciate it more if the commenters would sign their real names. I don't know, maybe I'm old fashioned or somehow out of touch (OK, I'm sure I am) but I don't understand how inventing a monikker and hiding behind it makes your comments more valuable than if you stood up for them. I get it in certain situations, when your livelihood or place in the community might be threatened, or if you were providing inside information that should not be traced to you ... or SOMETHING. But most of these comments fall into the category of passionately concerned citizens with opinions...who for some reason just aren't brave enough to make those opinions really count by letting us know who holds them. Come on...I always sign my name.
  reply
• 

  Dave Wielenga

  1 year ago

  And for that matter, so do all the Lowenthals.
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  Totally disagree. Full names, even locations, have a place in print. But not here.
  
  I sure wouldn't post anything negative about my council person and use my real (full) name. Eventually you'll need a building/planning/historic permit or some other action on a local issue and there's no recourse. Payback's a bitch.
  
  Unless you want to contribute to the campaign.
  
  The internet's (relative) anonymity allows this freer discourse. The downside is it's up to you to verify any comments.
  reply
• 

  Moon Dog

  1 year ago

  Right on Andy!!.......that's exactly why people don't leave there full names when leaving a negative comment. Example: Would you go up to your boss and tell him he's full of sh*t or would you use the employee comment box to do it without fear of repercussion. Wake up!!
  reply
• 

  Dave Wielenga

  1 year ago

  I see your point, to a point, although Moon Dog's example doesn't seem to be a very good one. I mean, what good does it do to say that somebody's "full of shit"? It's exactly that kind of empty insult by a cheap sniper that brings down the quality of the discourse. All I'm saying is that not every comment need be anonymous...that in situations where somebody may have something significant to lose, sure, go ahead and use your funny, made-up name--but in situations where you aren't so endangered, why not be up front about your opinions?
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  The book is the same whether authored by Mark Twain or Samuel Clemens.
  
  The name doesn't matter.
  
  Signed,
  --Andy
  reply
• 

  Moon Dog

  1 year ago

  Point taken Dave.......sorry you felt it was an attack on you. It wasn't. I was just agreeing with Andy. I'm an un-educated knuckle-head who is used to being a smart ass so to speak. I actually loved your article......and for the record, I don't have the same feelings when it comes to the Lowenthal's as Andy. I am a Tonia backer 100%. But when someone’s right I don't have a problem saying they are right. In this case Andy was right. We may vote for different people but we have to be able to accept some one's opinion if it's right, even if we disagree on other issues, that's what makes our country great. I don't see the point in full disclosure when expressing your view on the internet. The people with real "balls" are the ones that get involved and hit the pavement trying to make a difference in our beautiful city. Just because you use your "real name" in my opinion doesn't somehow validate the opinion......it's just an opinion. My example of telling someone that they are full of shit (I'll spell it out this time, I was trying to keep it clean last time....but I guess it's ok since you spelled it out) may have been a little extreme.....but I think it got my point across. I apologize if you took offense.......PS.....Glad you liked my funny made up name and the sniper comment you made about me will be put in my breast pocket and carried away as a compliment.......LOL....come on people laugh........that's funny. Have a good one Dave......Long Beach Forever!!
  reply
• 

  Andrew

  1 year ago

  Someone asked a few comments back...who will replace Bonnie? Well, don't you worry your pretty little head---she has already named her successor and passed many of her "financial" supporters over to him---his name: Robert Garcia (former Republican, turned Dem). Can't wait to see Dave's articles on that special city council election after Bonnie beats the Republican in her Assembly race.
  reply
• 

  Andy

  1 year ago

  "In this case Andy was right." (#34) Thanks, MD.
  
  I am so printing that out and showing it to the wife.
  
  BTW, I was in for Tonia, too. It's the Lowenthal machine that I'm askeered of pissing off. She could silently run me over in her city-owned Prius while I obliviously cross Cedar St. downtown and no one would be the wiser.
  reply