CSULB Parking UPDATE and Chronic Tacos evicted

CSULB will offer shuttles to off-site parking for 4 days as school starts

CSULB will begin its Fall Semester on August 22 and will offer off-site parking for only four days of the first week. (Click on OVERFLOW)

The off-site parking will be offered at the Greek Orthodox Church lot at Colorado and PCH. The site is not accessible from PCH, cars using the lot must travel down Bellflower and turn left on Colorado. Any cars using the lot must display a valid CSULB Parking Permit.

Annual parking permits for CSULB are $342 a year or $123 each for the Fall and Spring Semesters.  ( Click on PERMIT )

Students and staff are provided free Long Beach Transit Bus Passes under the U-Pass Program. The free passes are provided in hopes of promoting students not driving to campus.  This plan with the steep cost of parking has pushed student parking onto local residential streets as the CSULB parking situation has worsened.  

(Click on U- PASS)

With the steep price of parking, many students who drive to CSULB have learned to park in surrounding residential and commercial areas that do not require city issued parking permits. The students then use the free bus passes to take a short ride to CSULB-leaving their cars for hours.  This circumvents the CSULB initiative for a "green" policy using the bus and has shifted the CSULB student parking to the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Last year the CSULB Parking Committee announced a plan to promote more "green" sustainability by announcing a plan for "demand pricing".  This would raise parking rates on campus according to the "demand" and "supply" of parking spaces.  Neighborhood leaders immediately took notice and the plan has not moved forward. ( Click on PARKING PLAN)

There are problems with the CSULB  "green" solutions. The neighborhoods and retail surrounding CSULB offer "free" parking.  That free parking coupled with the free bus rides has just shifted the CSULB parking problems to the residential neighborhoods and business parking lots. 

While like the LB Airport, CSULB is not in the 4th District, it too impacts the 4th District negatively.  Fourth District  Councilman Daryl Supernaw has attended the CSULB Parking Committee meetings to try and address the issues facing those impacted by the CSULB parking problems. 

Earlier this year Councilman Supernaw had a guest speaker from CSULB at his Los Altos  monthly meeting. Residents brought up the continued parking problems related to CSULB.  At that time they were told that CSULB is working on satellite parking to alleviate the parking situation.  This year's four day Greek Orthodox Church parking appears to be a step in that direction.

Recently, Councilman Supernaw's office arranged to have CSULB representatives at the EASBA meeting to discuss this semesters new CSULB Shuttle route down Anaheim Street. 

For more information on the CSULB Anaheim St Area route click on Supernaw's newsletter here: SUPERNAW  .

Los Altos Chronic Taco being evicted

It began in early July with the Los Altos Chronic Taco workers being  let go and a note on the door that the space would was temporarily closed for renovations.

That note soon disappeared as the space was cleared out of all the fixtures.  

Then a court document dated July 27th was taped to the front door stating that the franchise owners have been given notice of being sued by the shopping center for eviction.

Two other Chronic Tacos owned by a different franchisee are in Long Beach.

For background information click on CHRONIC TACO

Los Altos National Night Out Tuesday

The 33rd National Night Out means more to Los Altos this year

For 32 years, National Night Out has been the chance for communities to get to know their local police department, learn about local crime, and get information on drug and violence prevention in a fun family atmosphere.  

This year, Los Altos residents are being given the chance to take the annual community event one step further, by  getting involved in a new neighborhood association. Local residents led by community leader Michele K (Michele Kreinheder), will be asking residents who show up to the Los Altos National Night Out meet-up at Whaley Park if they want to get involved in planning neighborhood activities.

Even if you have no time for a new local neighborhood association, residents are invited to show up to Whaley Park North at 6:30 pm on Tuesday August 2nd. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs, Michele K will be bringing cupcakes to share- as a recent post from Michele states "it doesn't take much to make a party" so everyone is free to come with or without something to share.

Los Altos builder Llyod Whaley

Los Altos was a planned community that once had  strong business and civic associations.  The annual Los Altos Easter Parade and Christmas display around Whaley Park North were both big community draws.

The Los Altos Charitable Giving Fund is working to bring back an updated Whaley Park Christmas display, and Councilman Supernaw has announced his office  has begun working toward creating new local business associations.

National Night Out, ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime,’ was introduced by the nonprofit crime prevention National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in 1984. The first National Night Out was introduced early in 1984 - with 400 communities in 23 states participating in National Night Out

The new program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin who decided  that a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally.

At that time,  a typical ‘crime watch community’ had only 5 to 7% of the residents participating actively. The goal for the National Night Out program was to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts. Peskin wanted a program that would involve entire communities at one time.  

Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans took part in the first National Night Out in1984. From that start, the program has grown steadily over the last 33 years.  Today, an estimated 37 million people in 15,449 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide take place in the annual event. 

New Target prices average 15% higher and Where is Chronic Taco?

A 15% price difference...

East Long Beach Tale of Two Target Stores:

Student Convenience  or Student Gouging?

Depending on which way the CSULB dorm students turn from Beach Drive onto Bellflower Blvd. to get to a nearby Target store determines if they are spending more or less money by an average of 15% .

Los Altos Center Adjacent Neighborhoods (LACAN) did  a random survey of 37 items from the 4th District Los Altos Target at 2270 N Bellflower Blvd., and the new 3rd District Iron Triangle Target (aka the "Bixby Village Target")  at 5760 E 7th Street in the former Ralph's Market (Bellflower/7th ). The stores are 2 miles apart, 1.5 miles from the CSULB dorms to Los Altos store and 7/10ths of a mile to the Iron Triangle store. The Iron Triangle Target is directly across 7th Street from the VA Hospital.

The "Iron Triangle" is the nickname for the area where the intersections of Bellflower Blvd., PCH. and  7th Street all converge.  The official name of the shopping center located on the southwest corner is Bixby Village Plaza.

Out of the 37 random items surveyed by LACAN at the two East Long Beach Targets, 28 (76%) had higher prices at the Iron Triangle Target ( see price comparisons below).  Our list started with 50 items, but the much smaller Iron Triangle Target did not have all the items on our original list.

The difference in the regular prices of the 28 items that were more expensive at the smaller Iron Triangle Target ranged from 2% higher (hot dog buns) to 49% higher (Target brand plastic forks).  The combined price average for the 28 items was 15% higher overall at the Iron Triangle Target.

LACAN spoke with Target Iron Triangle Store Manager Jeremiah Santos on Wednesday  July 13th. Mr. Santos acknowledged that the pricing difference exists. Santos stated that there are only about 15 Targets with similar pricing formats nationwide. He stated that most of the similar Targets were in isolated areas where the different pricing would make sense. Santos stated he has had conversations with the corporation that the area's shoppers were aware of the pricing differences because of the other Long Beach and Seal Beach Target stores being so close.

Santos stated that the convenience for CSULB students being able to walk to the store was an original factor in the pricing strategy.

The management company for the Bixby Village Plaza where the Target is located is Westar Management. The Westar website for the Bixby Village Plaza center gives this information about the "Bixby Target":

This new Target is still your favorite neighborhood store – but the “Bixby Target” features Target’s new, flexible format branding. About a fifth of the size of the traditional big-box Target store, this store features a convenient layout – complete with grab-n-go food items, products catered to the specific Long Beach neighborhood around it, and more. 

Click on: BIXBY VILLAGE

The "specific Long Beach neighborhood around it"  that the products are "catered" for includes: CSULB; the Veterans Hospital; two Bixby Village apartment complexes; Bixby Rivera condos; Alamitos Heights; and the neighborhood affectionately known as "The Hole". 

In addition to the pricing, the selection at the smaller Iron Triangle Target "flexible format"  was just that-smaller.  As an example, the Los Altos Target had different types (national and brand name) and  sizes of laundry bleach. The Iron Triangle Target carried just the Target brand in one size-2 quarts. The exact same bleach at the Los Altos Target was 5% less expensive ($1.82 vs  $1.92).  

At the Iron Triangle Target the only single paper towel roll available is the Target brand at $1.12.  The Los Altos Target carries single Brawny paper towel rolls for $1.02 and the Target brand roll for .99. That means the national brand  at Los Altos is  less 9% less than the Target brand at the Iron Triangle. The same Target Brand single roll paper towels at Los Altos is 12% less than at the Iron Triangle Target.

Eight items (22%) on our survey were priced the same at both stores-five of those were food staples-milk, eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, and Doritos chips. The other items with the same price were national brands of toothpaste, trash bags and printer paper.

Only one of the randomly selected items was less expensive at the Iron Triangle Target than the Los Altos Target, Folgers Regular 1 lb Coffee. Los Altos priced it at $9.59, or 10% higher than the Iron Triangle Target price at $8.59.

The smaller Iron Triangle Target is less busy, especially in the summer with CSULB students mostly gone and features a big self-checkout space.  The other major differences  are the Iron Triangle Target does not sell alcohol or have a pharmacy, while the Los Altos Target has both. 

Originally. Target's smaller version convenience store models, or " flexible format branding" were called TargetExpress and CityTarget.  The new Long Beach Iron Triangle was being planned as a "TargetExpress" just as the Target Corporation decided to do away with the multiple Target monikers ( including the large Super Target and Greatland Target brands)  citing consumer confusion in the various branding.  The change for all stores nation-wide to be branded just "Target" began in October 2015.

CLICK ON: New Long Beach Target

Price comparison week of July 11, 2016

ITEM                                                 Los Altos        Triangle               % Difference

Pure Protein Value Pack                    12.19               13.49                          10%

Yoplait Yogurt                                      .59                   .64                             8%

Thomas English Muffins                     2.49                 2.79                           11%

Welches Jelly                                       1.99                 2.12                             6%

Corn Flakes Cereal                             3.07                  3.57                           14%

4 pack Red Bull                                  6.39                 10.49                          32%

Sara Lee Bread loaf                            2.29                   2.49                            8%

Jiffy Peanut Butter                             5.49                   5.79                             5%

Bag of Apples                                     3.49                   3.99                          12%

Ball Park Franks                                 3.19                   3.42                            7%

Ball Park Buns                                    2.49                   2.54                            2%

Heinz Ketchup                                    2.94                   3.12                            6%

Barilla  Spaghetti                               1.12                   1.49                            25%

Ragu Sauce                                        1.99                  2.12                              6%

Nature Valley Granola                      3.89                   4.49                            13%                   

Target Package cheese                       2.84                   2.99                             5%                  

Bumble Bee Tuna Fish                      2.52                   2.57                            2%

Red Barron Pizza                               3.12                   3.79                            11%

_______________________________________________________________                 

Charmin "8=36 rolls"                           9.99                13.99                            29%

Target Plastic Forks (48)                     1.72                   3.39                            49%

HP #60 Printer Ink                             16.99                18.99                            15%

Hanes 6pk Socks                                13.99               16.99                             18%

Irish Spring 2 pack soap                       2.22                  3.99                            43%

Right Guard Deodorant                        3.52                  4.19                            16%

Arm and Hammer Laundry Soap         5.99                  6.99                            14% 

Target Bleach 2 qt                                1.82                  1.92                              5%

Target Single roll paper towel                .99                  1.12                            12%

Target Paper Plates                               4.39                  6.99                             31%

                                                            (for 200 pk)    (for 105 pk)*

*Target 200 package not carried

                                                           

SAME PRICED FOOD ITEMS

Alta Dena Milk  1 gal             4.19

1 dz Target eggs                     3.19

1 head of lettuce                     1.49

1 tomato                                   .99

Doritos                                    3.99

SAME PRICE OTHER ITEMS

Crest Tarter Control               2.79

HP Printer paper                     7.17

Glad 60 ct trash bags              11.99

One Item was less expensive at Target Iron Triangle

Folgers 1 lb  coffee

Los Altos= 9.59         

Iron Triangle=8.59

10% less

Los Altos Target  Protien bars $12.19

Iron Triangle Target Protien Bars $13.49

Hasta Luego for Los Altos Chronic Tacos?

Two weeks ago the Los Altos Chronic Taco was closed with a sign stating that the site was "TEMORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION". 

Now that sign is gone and the space has been cleared out of all the inside fixtures except the counter.

Unconfirmed reports from neighbors who have spoken with former workers at the Los Altos site state that the manager told the workers they were closing because of lease issues.

The site does have a beer and wine license which in itself is a valuable asset. Whether it is permanently closed or will be remodeled is something that the neighborhood will be monitoring.

Los Altos Bike Parade is ON!!!

Los Altos Neighborhood 4th of July Bike Parade is ON!!!

The many years tradition of  the Los Altos Neighborhood 4th of July Bike Parade will continue this year.

After some confusion if the tradition would continue when long-time parade organizer Simon Stone posted to social media that due to an injury he was unable to organize this year's parade, others in the neighborhood stepped up.

On July 3rd, this posting was issued on Nextdoor to it's Abbeyfield neighborhood:

Stephanie Pretty, Los Altos-Abbeyfield

Hello neighbors! Simon and his family are taking a well-deserved break from planning this year's event, but we will still carry on the tradition! Please join us at 9am at Abbeyfield & Atherton tomorrow and spread the word! See you on the 4th!

The folksy bike/scooter/skateboard/baby carriage  parade has traditionally been lead by the Stone's vintage Ford Mustang blaring out patriotic music with neighborhood children and adults riding, pushing and scooting along behind with patriotic decorated modes of transportation.

So spread the news Paul Revere style... "The Bikes are Coming, the Bikes are Coming!!"

Meet at 9am at Abbeyfield and Atherton.

 Click here for map PARADE START

The Great Los Altos Bike, Scooter and Unicycle Parade
Posted by Daryl Supernaw on Saturday, July 4, 2015

7 to 0 Vote = DEL NO!!!

LOS ALTOS PROUD!!!

Planning Commission votes 7-0 against CUP for 

Del Taco drive-thru in 
Los Altos neighborhood

Buoyed by a mid-afternoon Tweet from Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia supporting the Los Altos neighborhood (TWEET), dozen's of neighbors testified before the Planning Commission before the commissioners voted 7-0 to deny the Conditional Use Permit for the proposed Del Taco drive-through.

Staff reported that they had received 100 letters opposing the proposed drive-through.

Only the developer spoke in favor of the development.

The dozen's of resident's from across the Los Altos Center Adjacent Neighborhoods  spoke glowingly about the quiet small town feel of the neighborhood and its walkable nature.  Long-time residents spoke with pride about the older well-kept neighborhood that was revitalized by re-development of the Los Altos Center that lives in harmony with the high density apartments that ring the neighborhood filled with CSULB students.

The residents have worked hard to maintain that harmony with the students by working to keep late-night youth-oriented businesses away from the single-family homes filled with multi-generational residents.

Residents lined up to  explain about the negative impacts of the proposed drive-through on the residential street of Abbeyfield.

The grateful crowd  burst into cheers at the 7-0 vote and shouted thank-you to the Planning Commission.

Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw who had sat in  the back of the Chamber and watched the entire meeting greeted and congratulated the residents after the vote in lobby area. 

The vote came at the end of  10 day period of turmoil where residents from across Los Altos rallied to protect their neighborhood.  Starting with a Public Hearing notice, the community quickly took to organizing on neighborhood social media.  Responding to the community, Councilman Supernaw quickly organized a Community Meeting with the developer. By most accounts in social media, at that meeting the developer came across to the down-to-earth neighborhood as "arrogant".  The neighbors quickly organized a well attended protest two days later combined with a letter writing campaign.

With back-to-back stories in the Grunion and Press-Telegram the day before the Public Hearing and the unexpected but welcome Tweet hors before the meeting, the neighborhood buzz was that the momentum was on the side of the neighborhood.  

The Shell Station owner planned to lease the property to the Del Taco corporation. While a fast-food type restruant could be built on the property with-out a drive-through, the Planning Commission vote effectively kills a drive-through ever being located on the property. 

Garcia supports Los Altos neighbors

Mayor Garcia tweets out his support for Quality of Life in Los Altos

Long Beach Mayor, Dr. Robert Garcia today went to Twitter today tweet out his support for the Los Altos neighbors trying to protect their neighborhood from a drive-thru on the residential street of Abbeyfield.

Sent today, May 5th, at 2:52 pm,  Mayor Garcia tweeted:

"All night drive-thru's on residential streets, like the proposal on the corner of Abbeyfield Rd in Los Altos, are bad for neighborhoods"

Mayor Garcia is no stranger to Los Altos. The Mayor held a meet and greet at Ecco's Pizza during his campaign and also has held a community meeting at The Bagelry and has attended Councilman Supernaw's monthly meetings answering questions from the residents.

Link: Garcia TWEET

PROTEST!!!!

Neighborhood PROTEST!!

Just ten days ago, the residents in the Los Altos Center Adjacent Neighborhoods  learned about a unique threat to their quality of life- a 24 hour drive-thru at the main entrance to their neighborhood.

In just 10 days- using old fashion community organizing and 21st Century social media the LACAN community residents have united to save their neighborhood from a poorly planned and conceived 24 hour threat.

In those 10 days, residents have emailed, written letters, attended a community meeting and now held a community protest. 

Immediately, the developer dropped plans for a 24 hour drive-thru by three hours.  Residents have been outraged at the "arrogance" of the developer's offer of a 21 hour drive-thru to placate the neighborhood.

But it isn't over yet.  Still to come is the Planning Commission meeting on May 5th and a planned appeal to the LB City Council if the Planning Commission votes in favor of the Conditional Use Permit. 

IN JUST 10 DAYS, THE COMMUNITY WENT FROM THIS NOTICE-TO THIS.....

ALSO SEE (click on): Neighborhood PROTEST