The District Weekly - Latest Comments in THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

JabbaJaw — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:22:22 -0000

They need to invest money in residential treatment programs. That way people convicted could be obliged to follow such a program in order to be socially reinserted.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

DWR — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:53:59 -0000

one word for you: racist

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Diane — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:40:00 -0000

two words: white privilege

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Mike Ruehle — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:43:19 -0000

I’m now being told by people who were in Legends bar the night of the shooting that the person shot had been in Legends earlier that night and was observed to be intoxicated. Furthermore, the first name of the person shot was Ernie. Moreover, his father is a SOMEBODY in Orange County.

I am also told Police Officers have been advised by their supervisors to keep their mouths shut and not release any information to the public. Apparently, there are concerns of a large law suit because the officer was armed with pepper spray and a Taser, but failed to deploy those non lethal weapons before pulling and shooting his gun.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Dwight K Snider — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:23:10 -0000

I nominated Mike Ruehle of Long Beach, California for “Citizen Journalist of the Year.”

What is Citizen Journalism?

“The idea behind citizen journalism is that people without professional journalism training can use the tools of modern technology and the global distribution of the Internet to create, augment or fact-check media on their own or in collaboration with others. For example, you might write about a city council meeting on your blog or in an online forum. Or you could fact-check a newspaper article from the mainstream media and point out factual errors or bias on your blog. Or you might snap a digital photo of a newsworthy event happening in your town and post it online. Or you might videotape a similar event and post it on a site such as YouTube.
“All these might be considered acts of journalism, even if they don't go beyond simple observation at the scene of an important event. Because of the wide dispersion of so many excellent tools for capturing live events -- from tiny digital cameras to videophones -- the average citizen can now make news and distribute it globally, an act that was once the province of established journalists and media companies.

“There is some controversy over the term “citizen journalism,” because many professional journalists believe that only a trained journalist can understand the rigors and ethics involved in reporting the news. And conversely, there are many trained journalists who practice what might be considered citizen journalism by writing their own blogs or commentary online outside of the traditional journalism hierarchy.

“One of the main concepts behind citizen journalism is that mainstream media reporters and producers are not the exclusive center of knowledge on a subject -- the audience knows more collectively than the reporter alone. Now, many of these Big Media outlets are trying to harness the knowledge of their audience either through comments at the end of stories they post online or by creating citizen journalist databases of contributors or sources for stories.”

(Source: What is Citizen Journalism? -- Dan Gillmor, author of “We the Media” a book on the subject of grassroots media.}

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Mike Ruehle — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:16:50 -0000

Have the police released information on the person who was shot? For instance, it would be relevant to know the person's name, his friends name, whether he had a prior police record, whether the person's blood tests indicated he was intoxicated and if so, in which bar did he become so intoxicated that he did something dumb enough to get him self shot.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Fisch — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:51:28 -0000

I agree with John on this one. I think that Mike is certainly effective at getting residents excited and involved about some of the issues in the shore, but I also think that he sometimes shoots himself in the foot with his antagonism.

You can't win every battle and sometimes you have to meet your enemies half way to find a common ground. I have never been a fan of DeLong's politics, but since he is the 3rd's elected leader, he is the one that residents and resident groups have to work with, like it or not.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Fisch — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:43:03 -0000

Certainly most or all of these businesses causing the bulk of problems in the shore (Shannon's, Legends, Belmont Station, Acapulco Inn, etc.) operate under Conditional Use Permits that can either be revoked or modified at the discretion of the Planning Commission or City Council and if not, why not? How about an additional business license tax on these few businesses that utilize a disproportionate amount of police resources?

If I have a party at my house and the police come, they will tell me to break it up. If they have to come back a second time, they can and will charge me for the staff and resources that it took to respond to my house a second time. Do they do the same thing for businesses? I'd be curious to know...

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

BadBay90803 — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:34:52 -0000

Fair enough. But you might want to keep that running option on the table.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Mike Ruehle — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:59:01 -0000

Nope, just want the toilet flushed.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Mike Ruehle — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:49:13 -0000

Nope. Just want the toilet flushed.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Mike Ruehle — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:36:10 -0000

Now Councilman DeLong is talking about MORE bars and what he will do to limit their impact on shore residents. Why do we need MORE bars in Belmont Shore? We already have 54 alcohol licenses in Belmont Shore.

Also, why would Councilman DeLong limit future bars from being open past midnight rather than dealing with the existing problem bars? The reason is because his personal friends Gene Rotondo and his partner Gary Roth own the biggest problem bars in Belmont Shore; Legends, Acapulco Inn and Belmont Station. These are the same guys who are boardmembers on the Business Association with Mr. Rotondo being the President. With Councilman DeLong, these are the same guys who tried last September to take over the Residents Association to stifle any resistance to their attempts to turn Belmont Shore into an entertainment zone.

Furthermore, Councilman DeLong seeks to handicap any increased competition to his bar owner buddies. Why do you think he was all over Cabo Cantina and Panama Joes when they changed ownership? Yet Councilman DeLong sponsored Gene Rotondo’s $500,000 loan of taxpayer’s dollars from City Hall supposedly to rebuild legends (see below links), only to have Mr. Rotondo buy Acapulco Inn bar across the street with taxpayer’s money.

http://longbeach.legistar.c...

http://clblegistar.longbeac...

In addition, Councilman DeLong approved a FOREVER entertainment license for Belmont Station despite complaints from nearly 50 nearby residents who met with him at the Belmont Shore Firehouse. Councilman DeLong told angry residents he wanted to grant a 1-year pilot entertainment license because Belmont Station owners needed the money to remodel Belmont Station into a fine Steak and Seafood restaurant. Then Councilman Delong again lied to the public. Despite the police department recommendation of no more than a 1-year temporary entertainment license, and despite the concerns of nearby residents, Councilman DeLong made a last minute change at City Council to approve a FOREVER entertainment license for his bar buddies (see below link). Furthermore, where is that fine steak and seafood restaurant Councilman DeLong promised? The Belmont Station is the same dump it has always been.

http://longbeach.legistar.c...

Moreover, Councilman DeLong used his political influence to allow Legends to be rebuilt after the fire with a 2nd floor that did not exist prior to its fire. City planning steadfastly refused to approve Mr. Rotondo’s proposed 2nd story and were not involved in the approval process. According to staff, they did not see the plans until it had already been approved by the 14th floor of city hall. In other words, Councilman DeLong’s office.

Councilman DeLong is bad news for resident voters concerned about preserving their quality of life. All he cares about is helping out his wealthy commercial property and developer friends, who don’t live in our community, but who contributed so heavily to his campaign.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

wrongbeachJohn — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:30:49 -0000

Mike Ruehle 11 hours ago
"I’ve recently been informed Officer Hunt’s hours will be changed. He now will be working until 3:00 am to address some of the problems experienced by residents. Both of these changes were EXACTLY what residents asked for during the May 14, 2009 resident’s association meeting. We were told by the police during the meeting “YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET IT.” When asked whether we could quote him on that. He responded, “sure, go ahead” and then repeated it again that we wouldn’t get additional police support. We were told by the police, “BARS WILL BE BARS.” Furthermore Belmont Shore residents were told to go to North Long Beach to see “real crime.” "

Hee Hee Hee spoke too soon didn't you officer greet junior?

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

wrongbeachJohn — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:22:40 -0000

Tom Marchese!

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:12:18 -0000

Well, that would be called observing the Law, and that shrinls net receipts ! One of our team is a former Bartender during college, and club owner from the past. The ABC, or alocohol licensing authority, has very strick rules about not over pouring patrons. It is a clear condition upon the right to do business, and one of the easiest ways to lose your Liquor License.

Write the State ABC a simple concern letter and request an Investigation due to local failure to adequately police and oversee the alcohol sales. It takes 10 minutes. You can also call ABC, simple.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:05:28 -0000

This response was to the ''Please please please go away ' drivel which sounded like an infant in a sand box with diaper rash..

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:02:42 -0000

Sorry, This was a response to BadBay90803 that jumped as it posted. DWR has a fine mind and does fine work here.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:59:20 -0000

How pathetic, and weak. Come to a BSRA meeting, or Council, and state your case. And allow free and fair debate at all of the BSBA meetings like true Americans do?

If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Kudos to all of the reidents representatives in Long Beach doing the very time consuming and difficult job of trying to stand up for their people.

Banning anybody from a Public Forum is an Un Constitutional Prior Restraint upon Speech, an afront to the First Amendment, and a Denial of Substantive and Procedural Due Process.

We might as well be in Cuba when it come to level of fairness demonstrated by certain elected or appointed officials in Wrong Beach who build walls between business and the residents or attempt to silence, and censor protected speech!

Ever heard of a 'Prior Restraint' ? That means unlawfully limiting Free Speech to the point of attempting to kill the message, and the messenger? The Nazi's were good at that ?

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

BadBay90803 — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:56:57 -0000

Whoa Residents First!

Was this directed at my comment(s)?

"The only thing running is your moronic mouth to veinly attempt to 'spin' for a few well connected 'special interests', who have greedily slipped the noose around their own necks this time? LOL Please, go change you tidey whitey's, you are stinking up the place. "

If so ... geez ... I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome!

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:55:36 -0000

Mike, run run run for Council !! LOL

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:53:47 -0000

You just don't get it, we are not going anywhere, we are standing our ground, growing, and doing good work for the average resident.

You whine like a child deprived of a teething ring...sport.

What's wrong...somebody getting to you where it hurts? The wallet possibly ?

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:48:30 -0000

How pathetic, and weak. Come to a BSRA meeting, or Council, and state your case. And allow free and fair debate at all of the BSBA meetings like true Americans do?

If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Kudos to all of the reidents representatives in Long Beach doing the very time consuming and difficult job of trying to stand up for their people.

Banning anybody from a Public Forum is an Un Constitutional Prior Restraint upon Speech, an afront to the First Amendment, and a Denial of Substantive and Procedural Due Process.

Ever heard of a 'Prior Restraint' ? That means unlawfully limiting Free Speech to the point of attempting to kill the message, and the messenger? The Nazi's were good at that ?

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First? — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:35:40 -0000

The only thing running is your moronic mouth to veinly attempt to 'spin' for a few well connected 'special interests', who have greedily slipped the noose around their own necks this time? LOL Please, go change you tidey whitey's, you are stinking up the place.

Does the fact that the fed up community might finally take a kick at the golden chair out from under a few bloated 'fat cats' worry you? Just kidding, but we can see your pathetic colors from Catalina ..chief!! LOL

District 3 is not 'all about business' first. It is all about nice people trying to live a peaceful, safe, responsible, hard working, law abiding life, while raising their children, doing their work, caring for their elderly, grandkids , their neighbors, and their community.

Mr DeLong did not grow up around here, he does not have roots in our schools, or our homes. He does not have old family friends tracing back one or two generations that he cares deeply about, and he never seemed to care about the average 'Joe or Jane'.

Just look at his record? It was all about making money for, or pitching outrageously profitable schemes for his handlers and committee to elect. The residents are tired of this 'Let them eat cake' mentality akin to being second class serfs, or being left to feel largely irrelevant as if we are indentured servants to his select ''business at all costs'' buddies?

This 'A" list versus the 'Shit list' stuff has to end. Do you know how many HomeOwners Associations have never even seen him attend once since he campaigned? Well, it is too late now.

But he finds plenty of time to attend all of the 'Garden Club' events in Naples...Funny how many kind people there seem to see through him a bit better now too.

Mr SoLong had his chance, but he just never ''got it'' . Sage civic minds tend to agree that he is far better suited to a Corporate Board room, then Community service. Let him be somebody else's ''Business only Liaison'' or numbers man.

He has missed more hours at Council then anyone anybody can remeber. He doesn't want to be there, listening, or caring, he just wants the juice and the perks. It gives him something to do besides manage his inheritances and golf.

Our people need a' people person' once again, not a fixture at the Virginia Country Club, where the guy lives with his 'click' demeaning actual Civic Leaders who speak for the people and their common concerns.

Let's at least take a step up and write in Borat in 2010 !! At least he ''Loves this Country''...came from modest means....and had a heart. LOL

Let's run Dave Wielenga ?? Seriously. Dave, we are buying you some suits and getting you a makeover. You can regrow the hair after getting elected.

Also... Are we done with Colonna? Drummond? Legeman? Loftin??

Rae Gabelich owns a home in the 3rd? How about Carol Martin ? Pat Towner ? Surfing Legend Jericho Poplar ?

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

DWR — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:59:06 -0000

I suggest the late-night drunks be directed to your property and your front lawn (if you have one) used as an all-inclusive toilet, garbage can, spitoon and ultimate street-brawling ring.

It's gauranteed you'll change your tune and find yourself one day campaigning for Mike Ruehle for the 3rd District council seat.

Re: THE LEGEND OF BELMONT SHORE BAR PROBLEMS GROWS

Residents First — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:52:17 -0000

Humm....Several of us have billed at over 410 an hour , and our Offices are in Beverly Hills? Does a 7 or 8 figure Civil Suit make you a little nervous darling?

As for politics, ''Borat'' would have served our District better in the last 3 years, and there are several far more resident centered individuals lurking in the forrest, of discontent.

Could you get elected Dog Catcher, in Hemet? Blithe?