IN's guide to the celebration by the sea and all Long Beach has to offer.

By Joseph S. Amster

It's the merry Mary month of May, and along with the flowers there blooms another Pride season. With its traditional place as the kick-off event for a long summer of celebrations throughout the state and nation, the 23rd Long Beach Pride, themed “I Am, I Belong,” is your destination for the weekend of May 20-21 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. As our guide to everything Pride (and more) we present our top 10 reasons (in reverse order) to head to Long Beach—with apologies to David Letterman.

Number One: A Mega-Fest

Since they're the first event of the Pride season, Long Beach has to kick it off right—and they do. First there are the festival grounds: the roomiest of any of the festivals, stretching across Rainbow Lagoon Park and Marina Green along Shoreline Drive. The oceanfront location affords spectacular views of the Queen Mary on one side and downtown Long Beach on the other. The best feature, however, is that you're not packed in like sardines—there's plenty of room for the plethora of booths, food vendors, entertainment stages, dance tents, and open space to stretch out and relax. Now in its 23rd year, Long Beach Pride also has a dedicated board of directors who run a very professional operation that gives funds back to the community through grants, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities that benefit community non profit organizations.

Number Two: What a Parade

Kicking off on Sunday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. (a new time this year), the Long Beach Pride Parade's location one block from the beach is not only scenic, but also cool in the mid day sun. This is the time for Long Beach's community organizations and businesses to shine, as parade revelers show support along the approximately two-mile route. This year's parade honorees include Grand Marshal Charles R. Williams, founder of the Williams Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies; Morris Knight Political Grand Marshal, Long Beach City Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga; Female Community Grand Marshal Debra Rabonza, co-creator of Debra's at the Beach; and Male Community Grand Marshal gay activist Lee Glaze. This year's Whitey Littlefield Community Bridge Building Award goes to Roger Rieger.

Number Three: That's Entertainment

There's literally something to entertain everyone at the festival. Main Stage entertainers on Saturday include Sean Wiggins, Hammered Nails, Corday, Mya, David Meinke, and headliners Morris Day & the Time. Return on Sunday for Irene Soderberg, Patsy Grind, Lil' Bubba, Eric Himan, Kinsey Sicks, and the grand finale: India Arie (see our interview on page 47). One of the most popular areas at Pride is the Fiesta Caliente Stage with entertainers Gloria Trevi, Jean, Jzabehl, and numerous DJs guaranteed to pack them in. Country Tent Emcees Victoria London and David Medzerian will help country fans kick up their heels to the L.A. Wranglers, Kicker's Cloggers, Ladies with an Attitude, Tommy the UK Cowboy, and Teresa Lee. For those who prefer their music caffeinated, check out the Coffee House Stage for The Medicine Show, Olga Tapia, Brian Grillo, and more. Hip-hoppers can groove to the tunes at the Urban Soul Tent, spun by DJs Boom, Trish, Spark, and ABC. The big Dance Tent features DJs Mark Bisson, Dana T, Mac Attack, Casey Alvia, and many more for dancing all day and into the night. Finally, for those who walk on the spiritual side, the Interfaith Stage has a full weekend scheduled, but the main event is the Interfaith Commitment Ceremony on Saturday at 3 p.m.

There's also a lot going on before and during Pride weekend around town. On Wednesday, May 17, Christ Chapel, 3935 E. 10th St., will have their annual Pride in Christ service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, brings a film showing and discussion of this year's Pride theme “I Am, I Belong” at the Center Long Beach (2017 E. 4th St.), at 6 p.m. Head to Long Beach's LGBTQ bookstore Equal Writes (344 E. Fourth St.), on May 19 at 7 p.m. for A Celebration of Art, Jazz and Community. The South Coast Chorale's Pride concert, OUT DOORS is Friday, May 19, at 8 p.m. on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. Call (562) 985-7000 for more information. The Shoreline Frontrunners have their annual Pride Run and Walk on Saturday, May 20, at 8 a.m. on the Shoreline bike path between Belmont Pier and Marina starting at the Junipero parking lot. Club Ripples (5101 E. Ocean Blvd., (562) 433-0357) has always been one of the top spots around town for locals, and for those looking for a post-Pride place for a drink and some great entertainment, it’s a must. Their Pride entertainment launches on Thursday, May 18, with the Dreamgirls Revue at 8 p.m. Friday is Women’s night with Debra’s, Saturday is the big Pride Ball, and Sunday is their famous beer bash and entertainment. For more information, go to www.clubripples.com. Another great post-Pride destination is Flux at 17817 Lakewood Blvd. in Bellflower. This friendly place has a real neighborhood feel and great drink specials. Don’t forget to check out their new patio. For more information, call (562) 633-6394, or go to www.fluxgaybar.com. Finally, dance the night away on both May 20 and 21 as Will Gorges and Evenstar present Tribe 5. Saturday's venue is the Rhythm Lounge, 245 Pine Ave., at 9 p.m. On Sunday, head to the Queen Mary from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. For more information, go to www.longbeachtribe.com.

Number Four: Life in the Big City

If you've never spent time in Long Beach, it's a great city! Recent years have seen a revitalization of downtown, as many of the older buildings are being converted into lofts, condos have sprung up along the oceanfront, The Pike has risen from the its former seedy incarnation to become a modern entertainment complex, and downtown's dumpy Long Beach Plaza mall has been reborn into the spectacular CityPlace. If you're tired of L.A.'s gridlock, consider re-locating to Long Beach, where the ocean breezes keep the air clean and real estate bargains can still be found.

Number Five: Eat Out

There's a wealth of food at the festival, but if you get tired of roasted corn on the cob, sausages, Chinese food, and tacos, there's great dining to be had close by. If you're downtown and looking for something exotic, try Cha Cha's (762 Pacific Ave., (562) 495-4242) for their Caribbean fusion cuisine. Choices (740 E. Broadway, (562) 983-7001) has great food, entertainment, and a fantastic bar. Ego (329 Pacific Ave., (562) 432-9718) is a wonderful spot for Italian cuisine and great martinis. Speaking of Italian, if you want huge portions of specialties like fresh seafood, pastas, and great pizza, Ferraro's Cucina Italiana (6204 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. at Loynes, (562) 986-4860) is a must. Four Olives Café (4276 Atlantic Ave., (562) 595-1131) is a perfect spot for a pre-festival brunch, or dinner on the way home. Francelli's (3404 E. 4th St., (562) 434-3441) is the sort of neighborhood place that's hard to find anymore. Hot Java (2101 E. Broadway, (562) 433-0688) is truly the community's coffeehouse. This is the closest coffeehouse to the beginning of Sunday's parade, so be sure to stop by for your wake-up caffeine fix. If you want something exotic and spicy, drop by Jamaican Grill (2943 E. Broadway, (562) 434-3311). A restored Craftsman-style house is the home of Lasher's (3441 E. Broadway, (562) 433-0153), where they offer classic American cuisine with a gourmet flair. If you have a big appetite and love Mexican food, go no further than Margarita Grille (70 Atlantic Ave., (562) 437-4583). Whether you want a great pizza or pasta (I recommend the linguini and clams) try the Pizza Place and Garden Café (1431 E. Broadway, (562) 432-6000). Another popular spot with the community is Paradise Bar and Grill (1800 E. Broadway (562) 590-8773). Finally, the absolute best breakfast in town can be found at the Porch Café (2708 E. 4th St. (562) 495-2323).

Number Six: Unity in Community

Long Beach has a large and vibrant LGBT community, with numerous organizations to fit every interest. In addition, many non-profits are looking for volunteers and donations. The next big event on the community calendar is AIDS Walk Long Beach on Sunday, June 24. For more information, call (562) 987-5200, or go to www.aidwalklb.org. Also at the top of list of community organizations is the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Long Beach (2017 E. Fourth St., (562) 434-4455), where numerous groups that meet every night of the week, as well as services available to the local LGBT community. The Womyns Brunch Bunch has numerous fun events for the lesbian community. To find out more call (562) 493-2614, or go to www.womynzbrunchbunch.org. Being Alive Long Beach is one of many local AIDS organization in need of support; call them at (562) 436-9722. Other local AIDS groups include the CARE Project (562) 624-4900, Christ Chapel Food Bank (562) 434-3425, and POZ Peers (562) 272-8810. Long Beach LGBTs enjoy a rich spiritual life, as evidenced by the numerous religious organizations, including Christ Chapel Long Beach (562) 438-5303, Communidad St. Matthew's (562) 439-0931, Episcopal Church of St. Luke's (562) 436-4047, First Congregational Church (562) 436-2256, Lesbians & Gay Havura at the Long Beach Jewish Community Center (562) 426-7601, ext. 1414, St. Thomas of Canterbury (562) 425-4457, Unitarian Universalist Church (562) 597-8445, United Methodist Church (562) 437-1289, and Unity Fellowship-Spiritual Truth (562) 489-1017. Other community organizations include Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club (you can't get elected in this town without their support) (562) 716-9568, Log Cabin Republicans of Long Beach (e-mail asmokes@lcr.org), Shoreline Frontrunners (562) 252-0218, and the Long Beach Community Business Network (562) 663-2755.

Number Seven: Get Out the Vote

With half the Long Beach City Council seats up for grabs and primaries for the state legislature and Congress being decided on June 6, this election is of great importance to the local LGBT community because of openly gay candidates, as well as gay-friendly ones on the ballot. You can be sure they'll be out in force at the parade and festival, vying for your vote. For more about the election, be sure to see Denise Penn's report following this feature.

Number Eight: On Broadway

Long Beach's community life revolves around Broadway starting at Falcon Avenue and heading east. Most of the area's bars and stores are along this strip (with the exception of Club Ripples and the Executive Suite), so if you're looking for somewhere to hang out after the festival, this is the place to go.

Number Nine: Shop Till You Drop

Aside from the many stores along Broadway that stock everything from gifts to leather, there are also some excellent vintage clothing and antiques stores in the block around The Center in the 2000 block of E. Fourth St. Also be sure to stop by Pine Avenue running north from Ocean Avenue, Belmont Shore, and Broadway in the Belmont Heights area.

Number Ten: Oh Mary!

Drop by and see the biggest queen in Long Beach. No, I'm not talking about a member of the Long Beach Imperial Court, but Long Beach’s favorite icon: the venerable RMS Queen Mary. It's more than just a hotel (a wonderful place for a Pride stay) or tour; there's some great dining to be had (the Sunday brunch is sumptuous and well worth $35). They're also now holding same-sex commitment ceremonies in their wedding chapel.

There are a hundred more reasons to go to Long Beach, but my space is limited and I'm starting to get carpal tunnel syndrome. If you're coming to the festival, be sure to stop by the IN Los Angeles booth and say hi. If you're staying home, what's wrong with you?

Long Beach Politicians Vie for Votes at Pride

June 6 Long Beach municipal election features a record number of LGBT candidates

By Denise Penn

There will be dozens of elected officials smiling and waving from convertibles in the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade. Among them will be local candidates who will compete in run-off races on June 6 because no candidate in their race received over 50 percent in the April 11 primary.

Of the field of candidates who ran to succeed Beverly O'Neill as mayor of Long Beach, 3rd District City Councilman Frank Colonna and former Southern California Edison President Bob Foster received the highest number of votes and will be on the June 6 ballot.

Frank Colonna has ridden in the parade every year since he was elected to serve as the 3rd District City Council member past eight years ago, and he will keep the tradition this year. In addition, his campaign will have a float entered in the parade. Colonna grew up in Long Beach, has a master’s degree in environmental health and is a passionate environmentalist. Along with Councilmembers Lowenthal and Grabelich, he has led the fight to explore safer alternatives to the proposed LNG plant. Colonna has two openly gay staff members who say he is a great to work for.

Colonna's opponent, Bob Foster, will be at the Pride event as well. Foster began as a small businessman, worked in government and rose through the ranks to become the head of Edison. Foster has the support of many LGBT community leaders who are active in his campaign and the endorsement of the Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club.

A run-off also will be waged in the 3rd and the 5th Districts, and there will be two prominent lesbians on the ballot for each of those seats. Long Beach attorney Stephanie Loftin threw her hat in the ring in January to run against three opponents and edged out Norm Ryan by a handful of votes to compete in the run-off against Gary DeLong.

Loftin is a practicing attorney and will ride in the parade with her partner, Reba Birmingham. But they will not be riding down Ocean Boulevard in the traditional convertible: Loftin, a passionate conservationist, will be riding in her energy-efficient electric car, which she uses to drive around town.

Loftin has the endorsement of the entire LGBT Caucus of the California Legislature and both state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, Assemblymember Betty Karnette, and Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza, who represent the greater Long Beach area.

In the 5th District City Council race, there will be a run-off between LGBT campaign veteran Gerrie Schipske and incumbent Jackie Kell. Because of term limits, Kell is forced to run as a write-in candidate. Schipske was elected to the Long Beach Community College board of trustees in 1992, and has run against Steve Kuykendall for state Assembly and Steve Horn and Dana Rohrabacher for Congress since that time. Schipske is a nurse practitioner, an attorney, and a university teacher.

She and her partner of 25 years, Flo Pickett, will ride in the parade together. They have raised three children together in Long Beach. She has served for over 15 years on Long Beach City committees, commissions and boards.

In the 5th District school board race David Barton will face incumbent Jim Choura in a run-off. David Barton, a teacher, is also expected to be at the Pride Parade; He has a domestic partner and two children, a Ph.D. in English from Stanford University, and has taught in Santa Ana.

Many of the 2nd District City Council candidates will be riding in the Pride Parade.